He strengthened the main circular wall around the city with military towers and stronger gates. Constantine was constantly strengthening and building up cities and areas of the empire to ensure the safety and prosperity of the citizens. Throughout Constantine's early reign he relied a lot on his father's reputation until he had made a name for himself and proven himself a legitimate emperor to the empire. Early on Constantine learned great amounts about how to run the Roman military and how to create a sustainable, vibrant empire.
A few years into Constantine's reign, the empire endured a civil war due to a rebellion by Maximian. In 310 Maximian rebelled against Constantine while Constantine was away with the Franks. Maximian said that Constantine was dead and claimed the throne for himself. Most of Constantine's army remained loyal to him and they eventually induced Maximian to leave. When Constantine heard about the rebellion he immediately left what he was doing and began marching his army up the Rhine. Maximian fled to the city of Marseille and was eventually captured, punished for his crimes and committed suicide. .
Maximian had a son named Maxentius. Maxentius spent most of his life striving to avenge his fathers death. After several different accounts and stories, the death of Maximian created a shift in Constantine's public image. He didn't have his loyal connection with the previous emperor Maximian, so once again he needed to prove himself and his legitimacy. He introduced new religious beliefs involving Apollo Constantine and depicting himself as a figure who would "rule the world." This religious change and dynastic connection strengthened Constantine's opportunity to reign and increased his popularity among the citizens of the empire. By the year 311-312, Maxentius' reputation and followers had grown and were threatening to overthrow the empire and Constantine. Eventually, Maxentius declared war on Constantine vowing to avenge the death of his father.
