Maximin

Maximin (Galerius Valerius Maximinus), d. 313, Roman emperor (308–13); kinsman of Galerius. He is called Maximin Daia. He was made caesar in 305 and in 308 proclaimed himself augustus in opposition to Emperor Licinius. After the death of Galerius (310), Maximin exercised considerable power. He persecuted the Christians and tried to revive paganism. He later allied himself with Maxentius against Licinius and Constantine (Constantine I); Maxentius was crushed by Constantine, and Maximin was defeated by Licinius. A last-minute effort to win the Christians by an edict of toleration did not help him. He died a fugitive.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print
  • Email
  • Bookmark
    • Add bookmark
    • Add to del.icio.us
    • Digg It!
    • Add to Reddit