A good POD that I feel doesn't often get enough attention is the defeat of Constantine in 312 by Maxentius. I have browsed through many old threads here during the many years of my membership, and have noticed that the discussion often tends to get bogged down by questions of religious policy. Of course, that is not to say that these are not good and interesting questions relating to the effects of a Constantinian defeat, but, leaving aside the topic of Christianity and imperial religious policy, I'd like to focus on the immediate aftermath surrounding such a POD.
The exact POD I'm considering is this: Maxentius manages to defeat Constantine in October or November, 312, either at Milvian Bridge or an ATL site of battle. During the battle, Constantine is killed and Maxentius is left master of the West.
Now, keep in mind, Licinius is at this time campaigning against Maximinus Daia in the East, who is supported by Maxentius. Does Licinius make an effort to ally with Maxentius after the latter's victory, as he did with Constantine in OTL, if only temporarily in order to take care of Maximinus Daia? Or does he concentrate on Maximinus Daia and ignore Maxentius as a usurper for the time being?
Also, let's assume that Licinius goes on to defeat Maximinus Daia by the end of 313, who then commits suicide, more or less as in OTL:
I imagine he then turns his attentions to the West, in order to tie up loose ends and secure power? From what I've read, I'd put my money on Licinius coming out victorious over Maxentius, given his superior experience and skill as a general. If that's the case, and he manages to defeat Maxentius sometime around 315-316, who does he set up in the West? Perhaps Valerius Valens or his magister officiorum, Martinian, as in OTL? Or does he remain sole ruler for a while, as Constantine I in OTL, before setting up a son, son-in-law or other relative later on down the road?
The exact POD I'm considering is this: Maxentius manages to defeat Constantine in October or November, 312, either at Milvian Bridge or an ATL site of battle. During the battle, Constantine is killed and Maxentius is left master of the West.
Now, keep in mind, Licinius is at this time campaigning against Maximinus Daia in the East, who is supported by Maxentius. Does Licinius make an effort to ally with Maxentius after the latter's victory, as he did with Constantine in OTL, if only temporarily in order to take care of Maximinus Daia? Or does he concentrate on Maximinus Daia and ignore Maxentius as a usurper for the time being?
Also, let's assume that Licinius goes on to defeat Maximinus Daia by the end of 313, who then commits suicide, more or less as in OTL:
I imagine he then turns his attentions to the West, in order to tie up loose ends and secure power? From what I've read, I'd put my money on Licinius coming out victorious over Maxentius, given his superior experience and skill as a general. If that's the case, and he manages to defeat Maxentius sometime around 315-316, who does he set up in the West? Perhaps Valerius Valens or his magister officiorum, Martinian, as in OTL? Or does he remain sole ruler for a while, as Constantine I in OTL, before setting up a son, son-in-law or other relative later on down the road?
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