| Domitius Alexander | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Roman emperor (inAfrica) | |||||||||
| Reign | 308–310 (againstMaxentius) | ||||||||
| Rival emperor | |||||||||
| Born | Phrygia (nowCentral Anatolia,Turkey) | ||||||||
| Died | c. 310 Africa | ||||||||
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Lucius Domitius Alexander (diedc. 310), probably born inPhrygia, wasvicarius ofAfrica and laterRoman emperor during the time of theTetrarchy.[1]
The most detailed if somewhat confusing description of the insurrection is given byZosimus (II, 12 and 14). He reports that Maxentius sent his portrait to Africa to gain recognition as Emperor there. The troops resisted because of their loyalty toGalerius. Maxentius ordered Domitius Alexander, the vicar of Africa, to send his son to Rome to secure his loyalty. Alexander refused and was crowned Emperor by his army. The incident was probably caused by the conflict between Maxentius and his fatherMaximian in April 308, and Zosimos confused Galerius with Maximian in his account.[2]
Apart from the provinces in north Africa (today's Algeria, Tunisia and western Libya), Alexander also controlledSardinia. At the time of his accession, he was already at an advanced age. There is evidence in an inscription (CIL viii, 22183) that Alexander andConstantine I allied themselves in opposition to Maxentius. Salama suggests that, at the latest, the pact was entered into by autumn of 310.[3] The usurpation, which coincided with Constantine's recognition asAugustus, effectively ended the Tetrarchy as there was now a power balance of 5Augusti to 1Caesar.
Maxentius sent hispraetorian prefectRufius Volusianus and a certain Zenas to quell the rebellion, and Alexander was taken prisoner and then executed by strangulation.[1] Apparently, his troops did not offer much resistance. Maxentius retaliated with confiscations of the property of alleged supporters of Alexander. The year of the end of Alexander's reign is subject to debate, although it was certainly in either late 309 or early 310.[4]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)