Maximian

Maximian, in Latin Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus (c. 240-310), Roman emperor (286-305, and 306-308), born of humble parents in the Roman province of Pannonia (in present Slovenia). Because of his distinguished military service, the emperor Diocletian made him co-ruler of the Roman Empire with the title augustus. When Diocletian abdicated in 305, however, he forced Maximian to do the same. Maximian retired to private life in Lucania, southern Italy, but returned to Rome in 306 to assist his son, the Roman emperor Marcus Maxentius. In 308, however, he was driven from Italy by Maxentius, who wished to become sole ruler. Maximian sought refuge in Gaul with his son-in-law, Emperor Constantine the Great. Maximian conspired to seize control of the government, but was forced by Constantine to commit suicide.