From Diocletian to Constantine (270-324)
1. Christianity and Paganism Toward the Beginning of the C4th
Porphyry, Neoplatonist philosopher (c.232-303), Against the Christians
2. Diocletian and the Great Persecution (270-305)
a. Reorganization and Renewal
Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (245-316), Emperor, 284-395
| West | East | |
| Augustus | Maximian | Diocletian |
| Caesar | Constantius | Galerius |
b. The Great Persecution
After 298, Christianity was forbidden in the army and Christian officers and soldiers were forced to resign.
Persecution begins February, 303.
First edict: books to be surrendered and buildings demolished; legalized discrimination against Christians.
Second edict: clergy to be imprisoned.
Third edict: clergy to be forced to sacrifice, freed only on compliance.
Fourth edict (spring 304): all Christians to be forced to sacrifice.
305, Diocletian abdicates.
| West | East | |
| Augustus | Constantius | Galerius |
| Caesar | Severus | Maximin |
3. The First Christian Emperor (305-324)
306, Constantius dies at York
Troops declare his son, Constantine (285-337) as Augustus. Maximian's son Maxentius acclaimed princeps in Rome and, in 307, defeats Severus.
305-310, Galerius and Maximin continue persecution in the East.
311, Galerius dies; during last illness, draws up "Edict of Toleration," probably with Licinius.
Maximin becomes Augustus in the East, ignores edict and intensifies persecution.
312, Constantine defeats his Western rival, Maxentius and becomes sole ruler of the West.
Constantine allies with Licinius.
Constantine and Licinius agree "Edict of Milan."
313, Valerius Licinianus Licinius defeats Maximin and becomes Emperor of the East.
Lactantius (c.240-320), Christian apologist and tutor to Constantine's son Crispus. Author of Divinae Institutiones, first Latin systematic account of Christian life and faith.
324, Constantine defeats Licinius at Chrysopolis
Constantine, sole Emperor.