Maximianus Herculius AD 286-305. Struck AD 289-290. Siscia
Antoninianus Æ silvered

23 mm, 3,67 g

IMP C M A VAL MAXIMIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / CONSERVATOR AVGG, Emperor standing right with sceptre, and Hercules with club standing left, clasping hands over altar; XXIBKOY in exergue.

Nearly Extremely Fine

RIC 580.

Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, commonly known as Maximian, was a prominent Roman emperor who ruled as a co-emperor with Diocletian from AD 286 to 305. Maximian was born in AD 250 in the province of Pannonia (modern-day Hungary). He rose through the military ranks and became a trusted general under Emperor Diocletian. In AD 286, Diocletian appointed Maximian as his co-emperor, with the title of Augustus, to help govern the vast Roman Empire more effectively. Maximian was known for his strong military leadership and played a crucial role in the Tetrarchy system, a division of power between two Augusti and two Caesars. During his rule, Maximian successfully defeated various external threats and stabilized the Roman frontiers. However, internal power struggles and disagreements with his co-emperor Diocletian led to tensions within the Tetrarchy. In AD 305, Maximian abdicated from the throne, but he was later persuaded to return to power briefly, only to abdicate again. After his second abdication, Maximian attempted to usurp power but was ultimately defeated and forced to commit suicide in AD 310. Despite his tumultuous end, Maximian left a significant impact on Roman history as a capable military leader and one of the key figures in the Tetrarchy system.