Emperors Reform the Empire
As the Roman Empire weakened, emperors Diocletian and Constantine enacted major reforms to save it. In 293 C.E., Diocletian divided the empire into four parts to make it easier to govern. Later, Constantine reunited the empire and moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople in 330 C.E. This 6th grade history skill from Chapter 10 of IMPACT California Social Studies explains how these reforms shifted the empire's center of power eastward and laid the foundation for the Byzantine Empire that would survive for nearly 1,000 more years.
Key Concepts
As the empire weakened, strong emperors tried to save it. In 293 C.E., Emperor Diocletian believed Rome was too big for one person to rule. He divided the empire into four parts to make it easier to govern and control.
Later, Emperor Constantine reunited the empire under his single rule. In 330 C.E., he moved the capital from Rome to the eastern city of Byzantium. He renamed this new capital Constantinople , shifting the empire's center of power to the east.
Common Questions
How did Diocletian try to save the Roman Empire?
Diocletian tried to save the Roman Empire in 293 C.E. by dividing it into four parts, each with its own ruler. He believed the empire had grown too large for one person to govern effectively. This system, called the Tetrarchy, made administration and defense more manageable.
Why did Constantine move the capital to Constantinople?
Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople) in 330 C.E. because the eastern part of the empire was wealthier, more stable, and better positioned for trade. The new capital sat at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, controlling vital trade routes.
What was Constantinople?
Constantinople was the new capital of the Roman Empire, established by Emperor Constantine in 330 C.E. on the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium. It became the center of the Eastern Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, thriving for over 1,000 years.
Who was Emperor Diocletian?
Diocletian was a Roman emperor who ruled from 284 to 305 C.E. and implemented major reforms to stabilize the weakening empire. His most significant change was dividing the empire into four administrative regions, each with its own ruler, to improve governance and defense.
How did Roman reforms lead to the Byzantine Empire?
When Constantine moved the capital to Constantinople in the east, he shifted the empire's center of power away from Rome. After the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 C.E., the eastern half survived as the Byzantine Empire, lasting until 1453 C.E.
When do students learn about Diocletian and Constantine?
Diocletian and Constantine's reforms are covered in 6th grade world history. The IMPACT California Social Studies textbook discusses these emperors in Chapter 10: Roman Civilization, where students learn how reforms attempted to save the empire and created the Byzantine state.