 Maximian believed the Burgundian and Alemanni tribes of the Moselle @-@ Vosges region to be the greatest threat , so he targeted them first . He campaigned using scorched earth tactics , laying waste to their land and reducing their numbers through famine and disease . After the Burgundians and Alemanni , Maximian moved against the weaker Heruli and Chaibones . He cornered and defeated them in a single battle . He fought in person , riding along the battle line until the Germanic forces broke . Roman forces pursued the fleeing tribal armies and routed them . With his enemies weakened from starvation , Maximian launched a great invasion across the Rhine . He moved deep into Germanic territory , bringing destruction to his enemies ' homelands and demonstrating the superiority of Roman arms . By the winter of 287 , he had the advantage and the Rhenish lands were free of Germanic tribesmen . Maximian 's panegyrist declared : " All that I see beyond the Rhine is Roman . " 
