Tetrarchy

Tetrarchy, which means literally "rule of four," was a system of government devised by Diocletian in response to both the rampant crises occuring throughout Rome when he took power, and also to the succession problem.

Organization

 * The empire was divided into 2 areas, east and west, where each side had an Augustus and a Caesar who were responsible for that side of the empire


 * further divided into 101 provinces (roughly double the number previously) and Italy was included in the list, which meant they were no longer exempt from property taxes)


 * The provinces were grouped into dioceses, which a vicar (or vicarius) was responsible for


 * The vicars reported to the Praetorian Prefects, who then reported to the Caesar and thence to the Augustus.


 * Augusti: Diocletian (East), Maximian (West) ; Caesars: Galerius (East), Constantius (West)
 * worked to solve administrative and succession problem

Traditional Roman Religion
Diocletian, in particular, was interested in promoting old-school Roman religion as a way of reuniting populace.


 * identify as imperial gods (Augusti = Jupiter; Hercules=Caesar)


 * persecuted other religions (except Judeaism, esp. Christianity)
 * Diocletian's edict of persecution, very unevenly enforced
 * demands destruction of churches and burnings of scripture
 * kicks Christian officials out of office, army
 * largely carried out in Egpyt, North Africa, & in the East (Egypt & N.Africa were big food distribution centers)
 * last great persecution of Christianity
 * issued edicts against the Manichaes (eastern group with extreme)