Galerius’ Tetrarchic Schemes

This paper examines Lactantius’ account of emperor Galerius’ political ambitions during the formation of the Second Tetrarchy in 305, as presented in De mortibus persecutorum 17–20. Rather than assessing the factual accuracy of Lactantius’ narrative, the study approaches the text as a historiographical construct shaped by Constantinian propaganda. After contextualising Lactantius’ description of Diocletian’s abdication and the appointment of the new Caesars, the paper addresses the longstanding debate over the historicity of the Galerii consilia, highlighting the internal inconsistencies and constitutional implausibilities of the schemes attributed to Galerius. It then reconstructs these plans as they emerge from Lactantius’ narrative in order to clarify their ideological function. The analysis argues that the portrayal of Galerius as an aspiring autocrat ruling through compliant relatives and associates serves to delegitimise the Second Tetrarchy and retrospectively justify Constantine’s proclamation in 306. Ultimately, the paper contends that the value of Lactantius’ testimony lies not in its reliability as a source for Galerius’ intentions, but in its insight into the mechanisms through which Constantinian power was rhetorically legitimised in the aftermath of the tetrarchic crisis.

authoritarian regimes · Constantine the Great · De mortibus persecutorum · Galerius · Historiography · Lactantius · late Roman Empire · political propaganda · Roman imperial succession · Byzantine Studies and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome