Directory

306 CE

Constantius I dies outside Eboracum (modern-day York). Constantine, aged 23 or 24, is declared emperor by his troops. Emperor Galerius grants Constantine the title of Caesar, and elevates Flavius Valerius Severus to emperor in the Western part of the Roman Empire. The War of the Eight Princes ends in China. Constantine establishes his capital in Augusta Treverorum (Trier). He begins a major expansion of the city, strengthening the walls, expanding the palace complex and building the Imperial Baths.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • October 28 – Maxentius, son of former Western Emperor Maximian, leads a revolt by the Praetorian Guard and members of the Senate in Rome, and is proclaimed Emperor. Southern Italy supports Maxentius, as do Africa, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Maxentius recalls Maximian from retirement, who joins his son in Rome.source
  • Constantine institutes toleration of the Christians in his territories.source
  • Building on the efforts of Diocletian, Galerius introduces the poll tax to central and southern Italy and truncates the size of the Praetorian Guard, with plans to disband the Guard altogether.source
  • Constantine establishes his capital in Augusta Treverorum (Trier). He begins a major expansion of the city, strengthening the walls, expanding the palace complex and building the Imperial Baths.source

Conflict & Security

  • Winter: Constantine fights with success against the Franks.source
  • The War of the Eight Princes ends in China.source

Religion & Belief

  • Metrophanes becomes bishop of Byzantium.source
  • The Patriarchate of Lisbon is established.source
  • Christianity is established in Roman Britain. British bishops participate in the councils of Arles (314), Nicaea (325) and Arminum (349).source
  • The Synod of Elvira concludes with the issue of various canons, including one declaring that killing through a magic spell is a sin and the work of the devil.source

Crime & Justice

  • Galerius has the Rotunda of Galerius built in Thessaloniki (Macedonia).source

Births

  • Ephrem the Syrian, Syriac theologian and hymnodist (d. 373)source

Deaths

  • February 17 – Theodore of Amasea, Roman soldier and martyrsource
  • March 4 – Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia, Christian martyrssource
  • July 25 – Constantius I dies outside Eboracum (modern-day York). Constantine, aged 23 or 24, is declared emperor by his troops. Emperor Galerius grants Constantine the title of Caesar, and elevates Flavius Valerius Severus to emperor in the Western part of the Roman Empire.source
  • July 25 – Constantius Chlorus, Roman emperor (b. c. 250)source
  • August 25 – Maginus, Christian hermit and martyrsource
  • Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Roman soldier and martyrsource
  • Sima Ying, Chinese prince of the Jin Dynasty (b. 279)source
  • Sima Yong (or Wenzai), Chinese prince and regentsource