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.