Year Event Emperors and challengers 305 Diocletian abdicates Diocletian, Maximian 306 Constantine proclaimed Constantine, Constantius Chlorus 312 Battle of the Milvian Bridge Constantine vs. Maxentius 313 Edict of Milan Constantine, Licinius 324 Constantine becomes sole emperor Constantine, Licinius 330 Constantinople founded Constantine 337 Constantine dies; sons divide empire Constantine II, Constans, Constantius II Crisis of Succession ● Diocletian/Maximian ○ Abduction in 305CE ○ Was expected to have transition under tetrarchy without resistance ■ 2 Augusti ● Galerius(east) ● Constantius Chorus(West) ■ 2 Caesares ● Maximinus Daia (East) ● Severus II ( West) ○ Was expected for orderly succession Tetrarchy system breakdown ● 306 CE ○ Constanius dies ○ Soldiers proclaimed Constantine to be emperor ■ Needed successor rule ■ Constantine isn't emperor ○ Maximiian has declared himself as emperor ○ Severus has sent Galerius and Maxentius ■ Fails ■ Captured and executed ■ Galerius invades italy ● Retreated Civil war ● Constantine ○ Increasing power in Gaul ,Britain and Spain ● Maxentius ○ Italy and Africa ● Maximinus Daia ○ Not promoted to Agustus ○ Tension increase between Licinius ● Galerius death in 311 ○ Empty power in East Battle of Milvian Bridge ● Constantine entry to Italy ○ Contronts Maxentius ● Battle of Milvian Bridge ○ October 28, 312CE ● Maxentius death in battle ○ Drowned in Tiber ● Constantine entry to Rome as uncontested Western Emperor ● Tetrarchy ended, Constantine controlling entire Western Empire ○ Consolidation of power ○ Defeats Licinius of East ○ Dynastic rule under Constantine