Maximian was a partner in the Tetrarchic system of government, where the empire was ruled by two senior emperors, one in the east and one in the west, each with a junior to assist them. He became embroiled in the Civil wars of the Tetrarchy between rival claimants for control of the empire, in which he was defeated by Licinius. A committed pagan, he engaged in one of the last persecutions of Christians.