v55_0281 - MASSIMIANO ERCOLE Aurelianus

MAXIMIANUS HERCULIUS

(10/12/285-02/310)

Auguste I

Maximian was born in Sirmium around 250. He has "a low forehead, a wrinkled face, a trumpet nose, a thick chin and neck, a shaggy beard" according to "The Roman Emperors", op. cit., p. 119. This description does not look so much like the portraits of the argentei, which are stereotyped and not necessarily recognizable. He is chosen by Diocletian to assist him. He was first Caesar, then Augustus from April 286, and it was the foundation of the Diarchy. Maximien settles in Trèves and must fight against the barbarian invasions and the usurpation of Carausius in Brittany. In 293, when the Tetrarchy was created, he was assisted by Constantius Chlorus. Diocletian forces Maximian to abdicate on May 1, 305. He resents retirement and goes to support his son Maxentius when he seizes Rome on October 28, 306. He resumes service as august in 307 and helps Constantine to whom he gives his daughter Fausta in marriage. Maximian is forced to abdicate at the conference of Carnuntum, November 11, 308. One last time, he resumes the purple at the beginning of 310 in Marseilles before committing suicide or being assassinated.