This staunch pagan succeeded Diocletian and may have been the influence that began the persecution of Christians that began during the latter's reign. He pursued a policy of religious intolerance throughout his reign while successfully fighting off challenges to the throne. A ruthless man, he imposed a poll tax on the urban citizenry, with consequent horrific punishments for delinquency. He contracted a painful wasting disease, and apparently believing that it was the vengeance of the Christian God, issued a grudging edict ordering toleration of Christianity shortly before his death.
