EMPEROR MAXENTIUS: The Last Great Roman

1-253280

Maxentius, Rome's last pagan emperor, is examined through his reign, battles, building projects, and legacy. Analyzes his background and describes the context of the imperial situation of the Tetrarchy leading to his rise. Sifts through all the evidence, architectural, numismatic and inscriptive, attempting to identify where Christian (and Constantinian) bias has warped the truth. Narrates Maxentius' six year reign during a tumultuous time of civil wars, culminating in the dramatic battle of the Milvian Bridge, where he fell. Peels back the later vilification by Christian sources and reveals a capable emperor, a great builder (with a legacy of monuments still visible) and, ironically, a tolerant ruler who ended the Great Persecution of Christians in his territories years before Constantine followed suit. Contains 20 mono illustrations.