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Galeriy GaleriyRoman Emperor (305-311).
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Galerius: From Humble Beginnings to Roman Emperor
- Rise to Power
- Military Victories and Eastern Rule
- Persecutions of Christians
- Emperor of the East
- Conflict in the West
- The Edict of Toleration
- Illness and Death
Galerius: From Humble Beginnings to Roman Emperor
Early Life and Military CareerGalerius (full name Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus) was born around 242 AD near the Thracian city of Serdica (now Sofia, Bulgaria). Of Dacian descent, Galerius spent his youth as a shepherd before joining the military. Known for his roughness, severity, and sometimes cruelty, he proved to be a brave and diligent soldier, leading to a meteoric rise through the ranks.
Rise to Power
In 293 AD, Emperor Diocletian appointed Galerius as one of the Caesars in his new-order empire. Galerius married Diocletian's daughter, Valeria, and was given the task of governing the Danubian provinces of Illyria, Macedonia, Greece, and Crete. He established his residence in Sirmium (present-day Sremska Mitrovica).
Military Victories and Eastern Rule
Galerius successfully defended the eastern borders from attacks by the Persian Shah Narseh of the Sassanid dynasty. After an initial defeat near Carrhae, Galerius emerged victorious in a decisive battle the following year. This triumph restored provinces lost during the rule of Valerian and secured a lasting peace with Persia, solidifying Galerius's influence over Diocletian.
Persecutions of Christians
As Caesar, Galerius played an instrumental role in the Great Persecution of Christians that began in 303 AD. While some historians attribute the initiative to Diocletian, others, including Lactantius, claim that Galerius convinced Diocletian to authorize the suppression. Galerius actively participated in the persecutions and continued them during his own reign.
Emperor of the East
On May 1, 305 AD, Diocletian abdicated, and Galerius became Augustus, the senior emperor in the East. He ruled over the Balkan provinces and Asia Minor. While nominally subordinate to Constantius Chlorus, Augustus of the West, Galerius's appointment of his loyalists Flavius Valerius Severus and his nephew Maximian Daza as Caesars in both parts of the empire effectively made him the supreme ruler.
Conflict in the West
Upon Constantius's death in 306 AD, Galerius insisted that Severus succeed him in the Western Empire. However, Galerius's legions proclaimed Constantius's son, Constantine, Augustus, who initially lacked even the Caesar title. Galerius acknowledged Constantine as Caesar, but Severus was removed from power and later killed by Maxentius, the son of the former emperor Maximian. Galerius's invasion of Italy to restore order was unsuccessful.
The Edict of Toleration
In 308 AD, Galerius convened with Diocletian and Maximian to denounce Maxentius as a usurper. On November 11, he proclaimed Licinius Augustus of the Western Empire, who had only limited authority over Danubian territories. Maximian Daza declared himself Augustus, forcing Galerius to grant the same title to Constantine.
Illness and Death
In the winter of 310-311 AD, Galerius fell gravely ill. Believing his condition to be a divine punishment for his persecution of Christians, he issued the Edict of Toleration on April 30, 311 AD, which permitted Christians to gather for worship. Galerius died shortly after the edict was announced.
