Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus
Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus, often referred to simply as Galerius, was a significant Roman emperor who served as Caesar in the Eastern part of the Empire starting in 293 CE. He was appointed by his father-in-law, Diocletian, due to his loyalty and military prowess. Galerius led successful military campaigns against Germanic tribes in Pannonia and the Persians in Syria. His rule saw the construction of notable structures in Thessalonica, including a triumphal arch celebrating his victories.
Notably, Galerius was instrumental in initiating the persecution of Christians in 303 CE, reflecting the era's complex religious dynamics. Following the resignations of Diocletian and Maximian in 305 CE, Galerius faced challenges from both rebels and internal political strife, particularly from Maxentius, the son of Maximian. In a dramatic turn towards the end of his life, Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration in 311 CE, which allowed Christians to practice their faith freely, a decision viewed by some as a pivotal moment for Christianity in the Roman Empire. His reign concluded shortly thereafter with his death, after which he was buried in Romulianum, named in honor of his mother.
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Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Military commander, Caesar, Augustus
Life
Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus (GAY-uhs guh-LIHR-ee-uhs vuh-LIHR-ee-uhs mak-sihm-ee-AY-nuhs) became a Caesar in the tetrarchy on March 1, 293 c.e. His father-in-law Diocletian (r. 284-305 c.e.), one of two Augusti, awarded him an appointment for demonstrated loyalty as a military commander. Galerius was Caesar to Diocletian in the East, and Constantius I was Caesar to Maximian in the West. From his residence in Sirmium (near modern Sremska Mitrovica, Yugoslavia), Caesar Galerius successfully campaigned against the Germans (293-295 c.e.) in Pannonia (modern Hungary) and the Persians (296-298 c.e.) in Syria. Around 300 c.e., numerous structures were built at Thessalonica (modern Thessaloníki, Greece), including a triumphal arch to honor his victory over the Persians, a rotunda, a palace, an octagon, and hippodrome.
Galerius encouraged Diocletian to begin persecuting Christians in 303 c.e. In 305 c.e., Diocletian and Maximian resigned, leaving the Caesars, particularly Galerius, in power. Constantius died in 306 c.e. The new Augustus was constantly challenged by rebels inside the provinces and criticized for his cruelty toward the Christians. Maximian’s son Maxentius seized Rome, Italy, and part of Africa, so Galerius sent Augustus Severus (Flavius Valerius Severus) against him. Severus was defeated, then Galerius invaded Italy but was forced to retreat (307 c.e.). Galerius declared Maxentius a public enemy. Maxentius was defeated in 312 c.e. by his father, Maximian. On April 30, 311 c.e., in Nicomedia (now İzmit, Turkey), a gravely ill Galerius revoked his anti-Christian policy and issued an Edict of Toleration permitting Christians to practice their religion. A few days later, he died and was buried in Romulianum, named after his mother Romula.
Influence
Some Christians, including Lucius Caelius Firmianus Lactantius, regarded the painful illness that caused Galerius’s death to be a form of divine intervention. Galerius’s edict, issued shortly before his death, enabled Christianity to flourish in the Roman Empire.
Bibliography
Lactantius. The Minor Works. In The Fathers of the Church: A New Translation, translated by Mary Francis McDonald. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1965.
Pollitt, J. J. The Art of Rome c. 753 b.c.-a.d. 337: Sources and Documents. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1995.