Maxentius, Roman emperor from 306 to 312, ruled Italy and North Africa without full recognition from fellow emperors. His reign ended in 312 at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where he was defeated by Constantine. In the chaos of the retreating army crossing the river, Maxentius drowned. His body was found, paraded through the city, then sent to Africa as proof of his demise. Subsequently, his entire family was executed. Maxentius, the son of Maximian, was the last emperor to reside in Rome, and during his rule, he focused on enhancing the city with projects like the Temple of the Divine Romulus and the Basilica of Maxentius.