Handout #20: The Dominate: Diocletian and the Tetrarchy

Diocletian

Of Balkan origin, this emperor rose to power through his military career and assumed command upon the death of Numerian in 284. To deal with multiple invasions, he brings in Maximian as joint ruler. He emphasized restoration and stability through collabor

Maximian

A comrade of Diocletian brought in to share the rule and deal with unrest in the West, especially Carausius in Gaul. Even as Augustus, Maximian occupied the junior role as executor of Diocletian's planning. His son, Maxentius, is Constantine's main antago

Tetrarchy

The system of four emperors: two senior Augusti and two junior Caesars to take the Augusti's place after their retirement. It only lasted through two iterations before it fell apart due to the fragility of its succession (Maxentius and Constantine). The i

Galerius

Emperor from 305 to 311.
he campaigned, aided by Diocletian, against the Sassanid Empire
was a staunch opponent of Christianity, Galerius ended the Diocletianic Persecution when he issued an edict of toleration in 311

Maxentius

Roman Emperor from 306 to 312.
son of former Emperor Maximian
latter part of his reign was preoccupied with civil war, allying with Maximinus II against Licinius and Constantine.
He and his army drowned in Tiber river

Edict of Milan

Granted tolerance to all Christians throughout the empire

Constantine

Became Augustus after defeating Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and co-authored the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. He was likely the first Christian emperor and during his reign -- pagan sacrifice was outlawed, the Council of Nicaea decided that the

Constantius I

Father of Constantinople, Constantius I was part of the tetrarchy, but when he got promoted to chief emperor, he had to flee for his life due to conspiracies against him.

Battle of the Milvian Bridge

took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and bec

Currency Debasement

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