Res Gestae

In the meantime, two other Caesars had been appointed,[*](By Galerius.) Severus and Maximinus; to Maximinus was given the rule of the Orient; Galerius retained Illyricum for himself, as well as the Thracian provinces and Bithynia; Severus received Italy and whatever Herculius had formerly

But after Constantius died in Britain, and his son Constantine succeeded him, Maxentius, the son of Herculius, was suddenly hailed as emperor by the praetorian soldiers in the city of Rome. By order of Galerius, Severus took the field against Maxentius, but he was suddenly deserted by all his followers and fled to Ravenna. Thereupon Galerius, with a great army, came against Rome, threatening the destruction of the city, and encamped at Interamna[*](In Southern Umbria on the river Nar, just below its junction with the Velinus; modern Terni.) near the Tiber.

Then he sent Licinius and Probus to the city as envoys, asking that the son-in-law, that is Maxentius, should attain his desires from the father-in-law, that is Galerius, at the price of requests rather than of arms. Galerius’ proposal was scorned, and having learned that through Maxentius’ promises many of his own men had been led to desert his cause, he was disturbed and turned back; and in order to furnish his men with whatever booty he could, he gave orders that the Flaminian Road should be plundered.[*](Text and meaning are uncertain. Apparently he went along the Flaminian Road; cf. Lact., De Mort. Persec. 27, 5, dedit militibus potestatem ut diriperent omnia vel corrumperent, ut si quis insequi vellet, utensilia non haberet. )

Maximianus[*](Ille seems to refer to Maximianus, who wished to resume his imperial power; if so, something is missing from the text.) took refuge with Constantine. Then Galerius made Licinius a Caesar[*](Other writers imply that he was made an Augustus at once.) in Illyricum, and after that, leaving him in Pannonia, returned himself to Serdica, where he was attacked by a violent disease and wasted away so completely, that he died with the inner parts of his body exposed and in a state of corruption[*](Cf. Oros. vii. 28, 12, put rescente introrsum pectore et visceribus dissolutis ) —a punishment for a most