Valerius Licinianus Licinius, 308 - 324

One of the outcomes of the conference of Carnuntum (see Maximian), was the appointment of Licinius as Augustus of the west. The pride of Constantine I and Maximinus II was punctured by this, as Licinius was appointed to be Augustus without the usual intermediary rank of Caesar. After most of the troubles of the early fourth century had been smoothed out, Constantine I, Licinius and Maximinus II remained in power as Augusti. Between them, Constantine and Licinius jointly issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to all, and ending the persecution of the Christians. Shortly after this, Maximinus invaded the territory of Licinius, but was soundly defeated and killed. Relations between Licinius and Constantine were poor, despite Licinius marrying Constantine 's half-sister, Constantia. In 314, as relations worsened, Licinius appointed Valerius Valens as Augustus, to succeed Constantine . Two battles ensued, and in the peace treaty that followed it was specified that Valens be deposed and executed. A further two battles ensued in 324, during which Licinius was defeated. Constantine allowed him to retire into private life, but soon he started plotting against Constantine and was executed.