 Maximian realized that he could not immediately suppress Carausius and campaigned instead against Rhenish tribes . These tribes were probably greater threats to Gallic peace anyway and included many supporters of Carausius . Although Maximian had many enemies along the river , they were more often in dispute with each other than in combat with the Empire . Few clear dates survive for Maximian 's campaigns on the Rhine beyond a general range of 285 to 288 . While receiving the consular fasces on January 1 , 287 , Maximian was interrupted by news of a barbarian raid . <unk> his toga and donning his armor , he marched against the barbarians and , although they were not entirely dispersed , he celebrated a victory in Gaul later that year . 
