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In the year 313 CE, the Roman Empire was in a state of flux, with multiple emperors vying for control following the collapse of the Tetrarchy, a system of governance established by Emperor Diocletian to stabilize the empire. One of the key events of this period was the annexation of the domain of Maximinus Daia by Licinius, a pivotal moment in the struggle for power.
Maximinus Daia, also known as Maximinus II, had been appointed as Caesar (junior emperor) in the eastern provinces by Galerius in 305 CE. After the death of Galerius in 311 CE, Maximinus declared himself Augustus (senior emperor) and sought to expand his influence. However, his ambitions were met with resistance from Licinius, who had been appointed Augustus in the west by Galerius before his death.
The conflict between Licinius and Maximinus came to a head in 313 CE. Maximinus, seeking to capitalize on the instability following the death of Galerius, launched an invasion of Licinius' territories. The two forces met at the Battle of Tzirallum (modern-day Turkey). Despite having a larger army, Maximinus was defeated decisively by Licinius, who demonstrated superior military strategy and leadership.
Following his defeat, Maximinus fled to Tarsus, where he died shortly afterward under mysterious circumstances, possibly by suicide or illness. With Maximinus out of the picture, Licinius annexed his territories, consolidating his control over the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire.
This victory was significant for several reasons. First, it eliminated one of the major contenders for power in the empire, leaving Licinius and Constantine I as the dominant figures. Second, it marked a turning point in the religious policies of the empire. Maximinus had been a staunch persecutor of Christians, while Licinius, influenced by Constantine, adopted a more tolerant approach. The Edict of Milan, issued earlier in 313 CE by Constantine and Licinius, had already granted religious tolerance to Christians, and Licinius' victory over Maximinus further solidified this policy.
In the broader context of Roman history, the annexation of Maximinus' domain by Licinius was a crucial step toward the eventual reunification of the empire under Constantine. It also highlighted the shifting dynamics of power in the post-Tetrarchic period, where military prowess and political alliances played a decisive role in determining the fate of the empire.
Thus, the year 313 CE stands as a landmark in the history of the Roman Empire, marking the end of one era of persecution and the beginning of a new chapter of religious tolerance and centralized authority.