Carus vs Maxentius

Carus launched a campaign against the Sarmatians along the Danube frontier. He defeated them in battle and forced them to sue for peace. This victory secured the Danube border and allowed him to turn his attention to the east.

Carus was proclaimed emperor by the legions in Pannonia after the assassination of Probus. He was a respected military commander and senator. His accession marked a brief period of stability and renewed military expansion.

Carus led a major invasion of the Sassanid Persian Empire. He advanced through Mesopotamia, capturing the cities of Seleucia and Ctesiphon, the Persian capital. This campaign restored Roman prestige after years of defeats by the Persians.

Carus died suddenly during his Persian campaign, reportedly struck by lightning in his tent. Some sources suggest he was assassinated. His death ended the campaign, and his son Numerian succeeded him, but the empire soon fell into further turmoil.

Maxentius was proclaimed emperor in Rome by the Praetorian Guard and the Roman populace, who resented the tax policies of Galerius. He initially ruled as a usurper but later claimed the title Augustus. His reign was centered in Italy and Africa, challenging the Tetrarchic system.

Maxentius allied with his father Maximian, who had come out of retirement to support him. Maximian married his daughter Fausta to Constantine to secure an alliance, but the alliance was short-lived. Maximian later betrayed Maxentius by attempting to usurp his throne.

Maxentius began construction of the Basilica Nova in the Roman Forum, a massive civic building with a vaulted ceiling. The basilica was completed by Constantine after Maxentius's death. It remains one of the largest ancient Roman structures and a symbol of Maxentius's building program.

Maxentius led his forces against Constantine at the Milvian Bridge near Rome. His army was defeated, and Maxentius drowned in the Tiber while attempting to retreat. The battle marked Constantine's rise as sole ruler of the West and was later associated with Constantine's conversion to Christianity.