Maxentius was proclaimed augustus with the backing of the Praetorian Guard and the Roman Senate

Maxentius was proclaimed augustus with the backing of the Praetorian Guard and the Roman Senate. This event marked a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the Roman Empire, which was characterized by a tetrarchic system of governance. Following this proclamation, the Empire was divided among five rulers: four augusti—Galerius, Constantine, Severus, and Maxentius—and one caesar, Maximinus. The support from the Praetorian Guard, an elite unit tasked with protecting the emperor, was crucial in legitimizing Maxentius's claim to power. This shift in leadership dynamics contributed to the ongoing power struggles within the Empire, as each ruler sought to consolidate their authority and influence over the vast territories of Rome. The presence of multiple leaders often led to conflicts and rivalries, which would shape the future of the Empire significantly. The political fragmentation during this period set the stage for subsequent civil wars and the eventual rise of Constantine, who would emerge as a dominant figure in Roman history. The implications of Maxentius's rise to power were profound, as they not only altered the balance of power among the ruling elite but also influenced the military and administrative strategies employed by the Empire in the years to come.