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Licinius

Meet Licinius, a Roman emperor who once shared power but ended up in a big fight!

Images

Licinius & Constantine montage

Licinius & Constantine montage

openverse
Bust of Licinius, Kunsthistorisches Museum (cropped)
La villa de Licinius
Aureus of Licinius
Licinius plates 0133
<div class='fn'> De dood van Marcus Licinius Crassus</div>
<div class='fn'> Nummus of Licinius I, obverse</div>
File:Republican denarius - C. Licinius L.f. Macer.jpg
Solidus Licinius Jr AF21 CdM Paris
Bust of Licinius, Kunsthistorisches Museum
File:M Licinius Privatus, dec.jpg
Head of Marcus Licinius Crassus, middle of 1st century BC, from Italy, Moi, Auguste, Empereur de Rome exhibition, Grand Palais, Paris - 14649017884

Key Facts

Born
Around the year 265.
Ruled As Emperor
From 308 to 324 AD.
Famous For
Co-authoring the Edict of Milan, which made Christianity legal.
Career
Roman Emperor and colleague/rival of Constantine I.
End of Reign
Defeated in battle and executed in 324 AD.

Who Was This Roman Big Shot?

Imagine a time long, long ago, when Rome was super powerful! Licinius was one of the bosses, called an emperor. He ruled a big part of the Roman Empire. He wasn't alone though; he had to share his job with another emperor named Constantine. They were like co-captains of a giant ship, but sometimes co-captains don't get along!

Sharing Power and Big Decisions!

Licinius and Constantine made a super important decision together. They signed something called the Edict of Milan. This was like a rule that said people could believe in whatever they wanted, especially Christians. Before this, it wasn't always safe to be a Christian. This rule was a big deal for lots of people!

When Emperors Disagree!

Even though they made a big rule together, Licinius and Constantine started to argue. They became rivals, like two kids wanting the same toy. They fought for control of the whole Roman Empire. This fight led to a big battle where Constantine won and Licinius lost his power.

The End of the Road for Licinius

After losing the big battle, Licinius was no longer an emperor. Constantine was now in charge of everything. Sadly, Constantine ordered Licinius to be executed. It's a reminder that even powerful people can have sad endings. But the rule they made about people being free to believe in their own way lived on!

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