The Third Century

The third century spans the years 201 to 300 in the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the ten earliest centuries in the Christian era.

This century is remembered for major political upheaval in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. The Roman Empire passed through a period of instability marked by rapid succession of emperors, while most of the military bore the strain. Iran saw the rise of a new and powerful dynasty.

The Roman Empire

In the middle of the century, Rome passed through what historians call the crisis of the third century. Many emperors succeeded one another in quick succession, most brought to power by the military, and the empire faced economic difficulties, frontier wars, and provincial unrest. By the century's end, Diocletian initiated administrative and military reforms that strengthened the state, including a system of shared rule.

Iran and the East

Early in the century, the Parthian Empire in Iran fell and was replaced by the Sasanid dynasty. The Sasanids consolidated central administration and Zoroastrianism, and engaged Rome in a series of wars over Mesopotamia and Armenia.

Religion and Thought

Christianity spread through the cities of the Roman Empire during this century, at times facing state persecution. New religious movements also flourished, such as Manichaeism, which began in Mesopotamia and spread to both east and west. Greek philosophy was revived through the Neo-Platonist movement.