Drawing from a variety of sources - literary, visual, archaeological; papyri, inscriptions and coins the author studies the nature of Diocletians imperial strategy, his wars, his religious views and his abdication. The author also examines Galerius endeavour to take control of Diocletians empire, his failures and successes, against the backdrop of Constantines remorseless drive to power.

The first comprehensive study of the Emperor Galerius, this book offers an innovative analysis of his reign as both Caesar and Augustus, using his changing relationship with Diocletian as the principal key to unlock the complex imperial politics of the period.