Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Roman Emperor: Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, commonly known as Maximian, was a Roman emperor who ruled as co-emperor (Augustus) in the western part of the Roman Empire from 286 AD until his abdication in 305 AD. He was appointed by Emperor Diocletian as part of the Tetrarchy system, which divided imperial power.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus was a key figure in Diocletian's Tetrarchy.
  • The emperor Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus abdicated his throne in 305.
  • Historical records describe the military campaigns of Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus.

Advanced Usage

• "The reign of Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus": refers to the period when he held imperial power.
  • The reign of Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus was marked by efforts to secure the empire's frontiers.
• "Co-emperor with Diocletian": describes his shared rule.
  • Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus served as co-emperor with Diocletian.

Variants and Related Words

• Maximian (Proper noun): The common, shortened name used for this emperor.
  • Maximian was responsible for the western provinces.
• Herculius (Proper noun): An additional name (cognomen) adopted by Maximian, linking him to the god Hercules.
  • As Herculius, he was styled as the earthly counterpart to Diocletian (Jovius).

Synonyms

• Emperor Maximian: The most frequent synonym.
• Maximian Herculius: A combined form of his names.

Related Historical Terms

• Tetrarchy (n): The system of rule by four emperors established by Diocletian, in which Maximian participated.
  • Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus was one of the two senior Augusti in the first Tetrarchy.
• Augustus (n, title): The title for a senior Roman emperor, which Maximian held.
  • Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus held the title of Augustus in the West.

Noun

1. Roman Emperor from 286 until he abdicated in 305; when Diocletian divided the Roman Empire in 286 Maximian became emperor in the west (died in 311)