Question

maximian did the same, less willingly, leaving galerius and constantius in the role of emperors. galerius exiled diocletians wife and daughter, and they were later beheaded. diocletian himself retired to his palace at salonae, where he died in 312.
diocletians tetrarchy worked fairly well during his lifetime. however, within a generation after his death, power struggles began. eventually rome was returned to the control of a single emperor. diocletian is remembered today both for his passionate attempts at political reform and for his creative approach to the division of leadership.
after reading the passage, answer the following questions:

1. which of the following best defines a tetrarchy?

a. a form of government that has three rulers
b. a form of government that has four rulers
c. a society without enforced government authority
d. a society where ruling power is in the hands of a select few

1. if you were going to create a timeline of important events during the reign of diocletian, which of the following events would you include for 293?

a. creating four rulers
b. issuing the currency edict
c. dividing the rule with maximian
d. doubling the number of provinces

1. why did diocletian want to create additional, smaller provinces?

a. he wanted to lighten the burden of government.
b. he believed in offering more opportunity to more people.
c. he wanted to put more of his family and friends in power.
d. he wanted to improve the efficiency of government.

1. diocletian and the christians had very different opinions about religion, military service, and other things. choose one side, the roman or the christian, and explain key ideas about that viewpoint. provide details and evidence to support your answer.

Explanation:

1. The prefix "tetra -" means four. A tetrarchy is a form of government with four rulers.
2. The passage doesn't mention other events in 293, but the creation of the tetrarchy (four - ruler system) was a key event during Diocletian's reign.
3. Creating smaller provinces was likely aimed at improving the efficiency of government as it would be easier to manage smaller administrative units.
4. For the Roman side, Diocletian's view was likely influenced by the need to maintain traditional Roman values and the stability of the empire. The Roman state religion was polytheistic and the military was a central part of the Roman state. Christians, on the other hand, had a monotheistic religion and some refused military service on religious grounds, which could be seen as a threat to the traditional Roman way of life and the functioning of the empire.

Answer:

1. B. a form of government that has four rulers
2. A. creating four rulers
3. D. He wanted to improve the efficiency of government.
4. Roman side: Diocletian likely wanted to maintain traditional Roman polytheistic religion and a strong military - centered state. Christians' monotheism and some refusals of military service were seen as threats to the established order. Evidence: The Roman state was based on polytheistic beliefs and a large, functioning military for its expansion and defense. Christians' different beliefs and practices in these areas could disrupt the traditional Roman way of life and the empire's stability.