Maximian

Family: Romans · Role: senator; son of Leolin · First appears: Book V 8–9

Maximian was a Roman senator and the son of Leolin, a Briton by his father but Roman by his mother and birthplace, with royal descent through both parents. In Book V 8–9, he demanded a third part of the empire and entered into a great contest with the emperors Gratian and Valentinian: “There happened to be at that time a great contest between Maximian and the two emperors, Gratian and Valentinian, on account of his being refused the third part of the empire, which he demanded.” Mauricius urged him to seize the empire, while Constantius was cited as a kinsman who had likewise raised himself to imperial power.

In Book V 10–12, Maximian was recognized as cousin to Constantine and nephew to Coel. Sent by Gratian and Valentinian to Octavius, he received the kingdom and Helena in marriage, but Conan Meriadoc opposed him, withdrew to Albania, and raised an army. Maximian defeated Conan Meriadoc, later reconciled with him through mediation, and promised him the throne of the conquered kingdom; Conan Meriadoc then pledged lifelong loyalty. Maximian defeated Imbaltus and the Armoricans, settled Armorica with Britons, and bestowed it on Conan Meriadoc.

In Book V 13–16, Maximian placed Dianotus in charge while he campaigned, conquered Gaul and Germany after many battles, and made Triers the seat of his empire. He attacked Gratian and Valentinian, killing one and forcing the other to flee Rome, while Gratian Municeps was sent with two legions against his enemies, including Guanius and Melga. Maximian was later killed at Rome by Gratian’s friends, and the Britons who accompanied him were slain or dispersed. Book IX later remembers him alongside Constantine as a kinsman of Arthur who wore the crown of Britain and gained the imperial throne of Rome.