Maximian was elevated by Diocletian—first to Caesar, then to Augustus of the West—to share the burden of governing the empire, and loyally if reluctantly retired alongside him in 305. He never reconciled himself to private life, however, and was drawn back into politics repeatedly: first by his son Maxentius, then on his own initiative, launching a series of failed bids for power. After turning against both his son and his son-in-law Constantine, he declared Constantine dead and proclaimed himself emperor, only to be cornered at Marseilles and forced to commit suicide.
Also known as: Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus
What each episode says
Episode 2 (12 mentions)
Diocletian's drinking buddy and adopted colleague, elevated first to Caesar then to Augustus of the West to help govern the empire. Brownworth notes he was honest and hardworking but most crucially willing to accept second place to Diocletian, and loyally — if reluctantly — retired alongside him in 305.
Episode 3 (11 mentions)
Diocletian's old co-emperor who 'never really wanted to retire in the first place.' He was repeatedly called back to power — first by his son Maxentius, then on his own initiative — and repeatedly failed. After attempting to overthrow his own son and then fleeing to Constantine, his son-in-law, he eventually declared Constantine dead and proclaimed himself emperor, only to be cornered at Marseilles and forced to commit suicide.
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