How Did The Diocletian's Fight For Imperial Power

After Diocletian’s reign ended in 315 AD, there was a fight for imperial power over the Roman Empire. Diocletian had created a tetrarchy, but now the men fighting for the imperial office wanted to have sole power of the empire instead of having other men rule with him. Constantine the Great and Maxentius would turn out to be the main attackers for the position. Maxentius had power over Italy from defeating Galerius, and Constantine had control over the upper Roman Empire of Gaul and Britain. Unfortunately, Constantine was the brother-in-law of Maxentius, but this did not stop them from being top enemies during the civil war for power. Both sons of imperial power, they felt left out because they were not appointed to power. With Constantine’s approximately 100 thousand troops against Maxentius’ 75-120 thousand soldiers, Constantine decided to attack Maxentius in Rome and gain the title of emperor. Maxentius ordered men to come up from Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the African provinces for …show more content…
When he finally arrived, his cavalry charged and Maxentius’ troops slowly were pushed back. Soon Maxentius ordered a retreat to his army, and they headed for their pontoon bridge, hoping to reach Rome. While retreating on the bridge, the weight of the army and all their armor collapsed the boats, causing many soldiers to drown in the Tiber. Troops still trapped on the north bank of the river were either captured or slaughtered by Constantine’s soldiers. During the commotion, Maxentius drowned in the Tiber. Though Maxentius’ armies’ casualties were unknown, it is thought that they the army suffered many. After Constantine’s troops found Maxentius’ body lying in the river, they cut off his head and placed it on a spear, bringing it to the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome. Many people of high and low rankings were happy to see the victors, especially Constantine being appointed their new