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Italy: Icon of Maximinus II (270-313), 59th Roman emperor, from the book Icones imperatorvm romanorvm (Icons of Roman Emperors), Antwerp, c. 1645

Maximinus II (270-313), also known as Maximinus Daia or Maximinus Daza, was of Dacian peasant stock and nephew of Emperor Galerius. He joined the army and rose to high distinction, eventually being adopted by his uncle and raised to the rank of Caesar, giving him governorship of Syria and Egypt. When his uncle died in 311, Maximinus divided the Eastern Empire between himself and co-Emperor Licinius.

However, when Licinius made common cause with Constantine I, Maximinus was forced to establish a secret alliance with the usurper Emperor Maxentius, who controlled Italy. He made open war with Licinius in 313, but faced a massive defeat at the Battle of Tzirallum in the same year. He fled to Nicomedia and Tarsus, and eventually died, with multiple causes such as despair, poison and divine justice being ascribed to his death.

Maximinus II was known for his major persecution of Christians during his reign, one of the last great persecutions of Christianity, making demands to urban authorities to expel Christians and promoting Pagan beliefs. He only changed his mind and issued an edict of tolerance shortly before his death, just as his uncle had.