Chapter 19: Father and Son Revolt

Word of Constantine's title and the proclamation of
Severus as junior Augustus produced the reaction in Maxentius,
which Constantine had hoped for. His jealousy became his
passion and put into motion a scheme that would create a revolt
in his favor. His target was the junior Augustus Severus, who as
yet suspected nothing. The domain of the junior Augustus was
also the former domain of Maxentius' father, Maximian. Eager
to instigate a revolt, Maxentius awaited the perfect opportunity,
and on October AD 306, it arrived.

As a result of his actions in instituting new policies,
Severus had enemies, both civilian and military. Abellius, the
official in charge of the disbanding of the Praetorian Guard, was
lynched on the 28 October. On the same day, troops and the
populace whose civil unrest haunted Severus proclaimed
Maxentius. Like Constantine, Maxentius sent a letter to Galerius
to receive official recognition of his place in the imperial college.
He too had a coin printed, his had the words, "Unconquered
Prince," encircling his bust. The letter also included a reminder

of his personal ties with Galerius who had neglected his
daughter's marriage to Maxentius.

Anger and rage were the reactions of the senior Augustus.
Galerius ordered the head of Maxentius and his own daughter to
be brought before him, and it was Severus and his troops who
were to enforce his orders. Blinded by his rage, Galerius failed to
realize that the troops accompanying Severus to Rome in order to
crush Maxentius were veterans of Maximian's army. Hence, in
early spring of AD 307, when Severus and his men approached
northern Italy, Severus found himself in a peculiar situation.

Severus pleaded for his troops to take his side for the good
of Rome, but ran into further dissension. In addition to the
veteran troops of Maximian, the vast majority of the soldiers
desired to see their families and homes in Rome. To take the side
of Severus would surely lead them back to the northern frontiers.
They followed the military highway until they reached the
outskirts of Rome. The troops then deserted their commander.
He stood demoralized and appalled as one after another left in
order to serve on the enemy side.

"Romans, brothers, friends," he pleaded. "It is for the good
of the empire that we stand against the usurper. It is for the
children, the future generations that we collect taxes in the cities
and enforce liberal policies."

A soldier's voice rang out from among the troops. "I
haven't seen my children for months. Do not tell me of my
children's welfare!"

"Gold! I will double your salary."

The troops who had stood by his side walked away from
him.

"A bonus for fighting. Promotions!"

His own praetorian prefect observed the reaction of the
troops and deserted, along with the vast majority. The remaining
soldiers were either veterans of Galerius' army, or diehard
loyalists. Nevertheless, when they saw Maxentius' forces
approaching for the attack, they were overwhelmed by the sheer
numbers and forced to flee.

Severus had experience and knowledge of the terrain on
his side. His expertise led him to take refuge at Ravenna, where
he would be safe from harm. The army under Maxentius pursued
and surrounded the city. Severus could not have chosen a better
place for refuge. The city was surrounded by water. Its stone
walls stood before marshes, and its defenses were so well
designed that even a small force could withstand a siege for
months. Without a naval fleet, which Maxentius did not have, the
fortress of Ravenna was impregnable.

Prior to taking refuge in Ravenna, Severus had sent out
messengers to notify Galerius of the drastic turn of events.
Severus waited for Galerius' arrival, hoping that the emperor
would redirect his forces from his current campaign in Sarmatia,
to save Severus. He received no word and could only assume the
worst, that Galerius himself had betrayed him. He immediately
allowed the doors to open for commissioners to negotiate
surrender.

The commissioners entered initially in the presence of
representatives serving in Maxentius' council. The usual
diplomatic talks began when one of the commissioners escorted
Maxentius' representatives from the room.

"My dear Severus. Can't you see what has happened?"

Another commissioner continued. "Severus, you have
disrupted the normalcy of city living in this domain. For
hundreds of years, subjects in Rome have lived tax-free. This has
become the norm in cities in the outer reaches of the empire,
whose populace reaps the wealth of the lands and enjoy the good
life provided by the government."

"No need to lecture me on these matters, gentlemen," said
Severus. "It began with no taxes to be paid in Rome. Then it
became special holidays that permitted workers within the city to
stop work and enjoy their Roman privileges. Soon after, the

holidays increased in number and circuses cropped up
throughout the major cities of the empire. These too are free of
charge. The official issuing of free bread and wine to subjects
living in the city has become standard practice. And in some
places, such as Rome, the population even receives monetary
handouts on some occasions. The Caesars who had begun this
policy had sought a short-term solution to satisfy a population
who in return, would support their candidacy. In the meantime,
the empire expands and grows. The treasury is poured into the
cities and the armies suffer sporadic payment schedules."

A commissioner stood passionately and interrupted
Severus. "You are not the first to recognize this problem. You
are just ignorant enough to attack it at its heart. You conducted a
census to institute taxes. You sent imperial commissioners to
register the populace. Can't you see that a public outcry has
erupted?"

"I am aware of this."

"Diocletian almost came out of retirement," said another
commissioner. "Maximian is supporting his son, and is using his
old political connections to destroy you."

"I understand this as well," said Severus. "Regardless, I
have Galerius on my side."

"Severus," said a commissioner who was once a trusted
friend, "Galerius is not coming, nor is Maximinius. You are all
alone."

Severus pondered the possibility that Galerius had
betrayed him.

"Your only salvation will be found in Maximian, who, in
exchange for a peaceful surrender, will protect you from harm."

Severus lowered his head and stayed quiet for a moment,
unaware that Galerius was en route with his Illyrian force.
"Leave me," he said, staring at his trusted friend as the
commissioners left the room.

Within hours of the meeting, Severus walked out of the
fortress and surrendered it as demanded. He was at once taken
into custody and brought before Maximian and Maxentius.

Maxentius gazed down on Severus with his dull brown
eyes under thick arched eyebrows. His nostrils flared above his
red full lips. He was ugly, at best intimidating, much like his
father, whose facial scar was an asset to his appearance.

Maximian stared with arms folded.

"Take him to Rome," ordered the once-retired emperor.

The remaining army under Severus was rounded up and
returned to Rome along with their leader, who would be held
hostage there until Galerius arrived.

When Galerius reached Ravenna, he almost collapsed
from frustration. It was the perfect opportunity to raise the siege
and defeat the usurper Maxentius once and for all. Yet, his
colleague Severus had failed him and become a hostage who
could not be saved. This meant that Galerius' puppet had been
taken from his hand and replaced by Maxentius, whose actions
Galerius could not control.

First, Constantine had entered the imperial college and
now Maxentius had entered it illegally. Galerius had to push on
in order to defeat the usurper, if ever he were to implement his
master plan.

It was evident that Maxentius was aware of his presence in
Italy and that Galerius would have greater difficulty in taking
Rome. Maximian, on his home turf, fortified strategic points and
massed arsenals for defense. Galerius was about to meet an
enemy which could easily crush his army and leave him dead if
he entered Rome. He was wise enough to stop short at Narina, on
the readjust north of Rome.