The Fourth Century
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The fourth century is the period spanning the years 301 to 400 in the Julian/Gregorian calendar. It was a century marked by major transformations in imperial administration and religion, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean, Iran, and South Asia.
The word 'century' denotes a period of one hundred years. Because the calendar begins at year 1 (there is no year zero), the fourth century ends at 400, not 399.
The Roman Empire
At the start of the century, Diocletian's system of the Tetrarchy divided imperial rule between eastern and western halves, with power shared among four rulers. This arrangement ended in internal conflict. Constantine I reunified the empire and relocated the capital from Byzantium to a new city named Constantinople. By the century's end, imperial authority split once again into eastern and western branches.
Religion
This century witnessed Christianity's transformation from a persecuted religion to one backed by state authority. The Edict of Milan in 313 granted Christians freedom of worship. The Council of Nicaea in 325 addressed doctrinal disputes concerning Arianism and established an orthodox standard. Toward the century's end, Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the empire, and earlier forms of worship were restricted by law.
The Middle East and Asia
In Iran, the Sasanian Empire was powerful, particularly under Shapur II, and engaged in prolonged warfare with Rome over Mesopotamian borders. In India, the Gupta Empire flourished, a period associated with advances in literature, mathematics, and the arts. In China, the period of division between Northern and Southern dynasties continued.
Africa and the migration of peoples
The Aksumite Empire, spanning present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, exercised control over trade on the Red Sea, and King Ezana is credited with adopting Christianity during this period. In northern Europe and along the Danube, migrations of various peoples exerted pressure on Roman frontiers; these movements would reshape the fifth century.