Galerius
Roman Emperor who served in the Tetrarchy and issued the Edict of Serdica.
Quick Facts: Who was Galerius?
- Subject:
- Galerius
- Known for:
- Roman Emperor who served in the Tetrarchy and issued the Edict of Serdica.
- Born:
- 258
- Died:
- 311-05-05
- Century / Era:
- 258s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus (; Latin: Galerius; c. 258 – May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. He participated in the system of government later known as the Tetrarchy, first acting as caesar under Emperor Diocletian. In this period Galerius obtained victory warring against the Persian Sasanian Empire, defeating Narseh at the battle of Satala in 298 and possibly sacking the Sasanian capital of Ctesiphon in 299. He also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. Galerius was promoted to augustus upon the abdication of Diocletian in 305, but had to contend with multiple usurpers as the Tetrarchic system broke down.
Career & Major Achievements
Although he was a staunch opponent of Christianity, he ended the Diocletianic Persecution by issuing the Edict of Serdica in 311. Galerius was born in the Danube provinces, either near Serdica or at the place where he later built his palace named after his mother – Felix Romuliana (Gamzigrad), in the province later known as Dacia Ripensis. Under this palace, an older villa has been found that is sometimes interpreted as Galerius's birthplace. His mother, Romula, had left Roman Dacia (today Romania) and settled in New Dacia south of the Danube because of the Carpians' attacks. He originally followed his father's occupation, that of a herdsman, where he was nicknamed "Armentarius", herdsman (Latin: armentum, lit.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
His original cognomen was "Maximinus", but he changed it to "Maximianus" after becoming Caesar. He served with distinction as a soldier under Emperors Aurelian and Probus. Galerius is stated to have divorced an earlier wife upon marrying Diocletian's daughter Valeria (later known as Galeria Valeria), just as Constantius Chlorus is said to have divorced Helena to marry Maximian's daughter Theodora. This claim is stated by writers Aurelius Victor, Jerome, and Eutropius, as well as in the anonymous Epitome de Caesaribus, and the Historia Augusta and probably derives from a common, now lost, source. The factuality of this claim is disputed by some historians, who believe it might derive from attempts by Constantine to establish that his mother Helena was married to his father, and not just a concubine.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Galerius
True or False: “Did Galerius immediately become Augustus upon Diocletian's abdication in 305?”
Answer (FALSE ❌): He was promoted to augustus upon the abdication of Diocletian in 305, but he had to contend with multiple usurpers as the Tetrarchic system broke down.
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- 258 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 258
- 311 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 311
- May 5 (05-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 5
Frequently Asked Questions about Galerius
Who was Galerius and what are their primary contributions?
Roman Emperor who served in the Tetrarchy and issued the Edict of Serdica. Origins & Early Life: Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus (; Latin: Galerius; c. 258 – May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. He participated in the system of government later known as the Tetrarchy, first acting as caesar under Emperor Diocletian. In this period Galerius obtained victory warring against the Persian Sasanian Empire, defeating Narseh at the battle of Satala in 298 and possibly sacking the Sasanian capital of Ctesiphon in 299. He also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. Galerius was promoted to augustus upon the abdication of Diocletian in 305, but had to contend with multiple usurpers as the Tetrarchic system broke down.
When was Galerius born and during which historical era did they live?
Galerius was born on 258 and passed away on 0311-05-05. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 258 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Galerius?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia