Galerius

258 – 311 · Generation II · Emperor (r. 305–311)

Galerius (AD 258 – 311). Emperor (r. 305–311). Married Galeria around AD 293. Augustus of the East. Born in the Danube provinces to a herdsman’s trade – hence the nickname “Armentarius” – he soldiered under Aurelian and Probus before Diocletian made him Caesar with charge of the Illyrian lands. Persia defined his career: after a stinging defeat near Carrhae he crushed King Narseh at Satala in 298, capturing the royal camp, treasury, and even the king’s wife, and the resulting Peace of Nisibis pushed Rome’s reach to the Tigris. He also beat the Carpi across the Danube. Promoted to senior emperor in 305, he watched the Tetrarchy fracture around him. Though a determined enemy of Christianity, he ended the great persecution himself with the Edict of Serdica shortly before his death, and built the palace of Felix Romuliana in his mother’s honor.

Partners

Married Galeria Valeria (250 – 315) in 293

Children

Valeria Maximilla (283 – ?)

Life

258 — Born
293 — Married Galeria
311 — Died