 Maximian returned to Rome in the winter of 307 – 8 but soon fell out with his son and in the spring of 308 challenged his right to rule before an assembly of Roman soldiers . He spoke of Rome 's sickly government , disparaged Maxentius for having weakened it , and ripped the imperial toga from Maxentius ' shoulders . He expected the soldiers to recognize him but they sided with Maxentius , and Maximian was forced to leave Italy in disgrace . 
