Domitius Alexander

Lucius Domitius Alexander ( † about 310) was a Roman rival emperor in the province of Africa.

Life

Alexander was of humble origin, and either came from Phrygia ( so report the Epitome de Caesaribus and 200 years later writing Zosimus ) or from Pannonia ( as Aurelius Victor ). Before the year 308, when he was already at an advanced age, he was vicar Africae ( governor of the province of Africa ). He is therefore likely to identify with a Valerius Alexander, who was 303-306 vicarius Africae, and could have changed his name when his elevation to the emperor. Whether he previously held an office that is not possible to identify with certainty. Zosimus claims that he was an incompetent and cowardly governor, unable to fill an office worthy.

As Maxentius, the ( counter-) Emperor in Rome, Alexander's son demanded as a hostage to ensure the fidelity of africa African troops, Alexander refused to deliver his son, and had himself proclaimed Augustus. Exactly when this happened is not possible to identify with certainty. Conveniently located close to a date to 308/309 after Maxentius had not been confirmed at a conference in Carnuntum Emperor as the legitimate emperor. Rome was dependent on the africa African grain deliveries, so the usurpation apparently led to riots in the city of the Roman population. So Maxentius had to respond as quickly as possible. To 309/10 he sent his prefect Rufius Volusianus and Zenas with a small force to Africa, where she won a quick victory against Alexander. The usurper was captured and executed shortly afterwards.