Dynastic Politics in the Age of Diocletian, AD 284-311

The Tetrarchy was a unique government experiment in AD 293, where four soldiers shared the empire between them. This regime engaged with dynastic power in unconventional ways, presenting themselves as brothers, thwarting the dynastic ambitions of Tetrarchs and their sons, and reducing the importance of women. This book is the first to focus on the Tetrarchy as an imperial dynasty, examining it through the lens of Rome's armies. It provides new interpretations of dynastic politics, brotherhood, empresses, imperial collegiality, military politics, hereditary succession, and the roles of sons within Roman dynasties.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

In the year AD 293, the Roman world embarked on a daring and innovative experiment in governance. Four soldiers, namely Diocletian and Maximian, who held the position of senior emperors, along with Constantius and Galerius, who were considered junior emperors, shared the empire among themselves. This unique arrangement is known as the Tetrarchy. The Tetrarchy approached dynastic power in unconventional ways. Diocletian and Maximian presented themselves as brothers, despite being unrelated by blood. They further thwarted the dynastic ambitions of individual Tetrarchs and their sons, playing a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape. The sons themselves were often used as hostages, symbols of imperial unity, and potential targets of assassination. Moreover, the significance of women in the representation of the imperial self was significantly diminished during this period.

This groundbreaking book is the first to delve into the Tetrarchy as an imperial dynasty, offering a fresh perspective by examining it through the lens of Rome's armies. The author presents the Tetrarchic dynasty as a military experiment, meticulously crafted by a network of provincial career soldiers and tailored to meet the specific needs of the various regional armies. Drawing upon a diverse range of evidence, including archaeological discoveries, coinage, statues, inscriptions, panegyrics, and invective, the author presents bold and novel interpretations of Tetrarchic dynastic politics. The book explores themes such as brotherhood, the role of empresses, imperial collegiality, military affairs, hereditary succession, and the dynamics of sons within Roman dynasties.

Through meticulous research and analysis, the author sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the Tetrarchy, challenging prevailing narratives and providing a fresh understanding of this pivotal period in Roman history. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of ancient history, offering insights into the complex dynamics of power, politics, and governance in the Roman Empire.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474498661