Galerius Valerius Maximianus

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Galerius Valerius Maximianus (lived c. 258—311 AD, reigned 1 May 305—May 311 AD) was one of four Roman emperors who simultaneously ruled the Roman empire at the end of, and after, the reign of Diocletian (284—305 AD). Galerius ruled the regions of Macedonia and Greece and was staunchly opposed to Christianity. During Diocletian’s reign, Galerius convinced the emperor that Christians were dangerous to the Roman empire and should be eliminated. Galerius also convinced him that a palace fire (perhaps started by Galerius himself) was started by Christians. From this came the edict of 24 February 303, which launched the last and greatest persecution of Christians in the history of the Roman Empire. Yet when he became seriously ill in April 311, Galerius issued the Edict of Tolerance, which ended the persecution in the lands he ruled. As he lay dying in severe pain, Galerius’s last request was that the Christians pray for him. He died shortly after that.

Synonyms:
Galerius
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