GALERIUS


Meaning of GALERIUS in English

v.

in full Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus

born , near Serdica, Thrace

died 311

Roman emperor (305–311) notorious for his persecution of Christians.

As caesar and a victorious commander, he apparently induced Diocletian to begin the persecutions. In 305 Galerius became augustus (senior emperor) of the East and briefly made himself supreme ruler. He imposed a harsh poll tax on the urban population and kept up the ruthless persecution of Christians. He fell ill in 311; fearing the Christian God was taking vengeance, he issued an edict of tolerance.

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