The age of Constantine

Abstract

The abdication of Diocletian and Maximian in 305, whether envisaged as a fundamental feature of the tetrarchic system or the product of the senior emperor’s recent ill health, opened the way to the emergence of a second tetrarchy, in which the dominant figure should have been Galerius.¹ His succession to Diocletian as the Augustus in the East was matched by the parallel elevation of Constantius in the West. The two Caesars appointed to assist them, Severus in the West and Maximin II in the East, are presented in the, admittedly hostile, Christian sources, which provide so much of the political narrative for this period, as both being creatures of Galerius.² Severus was one of his subordinate officers, and Maximin the senior emperor’s nephew. This latter appointment marks the only concession made to family relationships in the constitution of the new tetrarchy. Neither the son of Maximian nor the son of Constantius was promoted, and this must represent a deliberate attempt to prevent dynastic succession from coming to play a part in the new imperial system.