What is the Crisis of the Third Century?
Q: What is the Crisis of the Third Century?
A: The Crisis of the Third Century was a period in which the Roman Empire almost collapsed, lasting from 235 to 284 AD. It was marked by invasions, civil war, plague and economic collapse.
Q: How did it begin?
A: The crisis began with the assassination of Emperor Alexander Severus at the hands of his own troops in 235 AD. This started a fifty-year period in which 20–25 rivals struggled for the throne.
Q: What happened during this time?
A: During this time, most were important Roman Army generals who took control over all or part of the Empire. By 258–260, the Empire had split into three competing states - The Gallic Empire, Palmyrene Empire and Italian Roman Empire proper.
Q: Who ended it?
A: The crisis ended with the ascension of Diocletian in 284.
Q: What changes occurred as a result?
A: As a result of this crisis, many changes occurred to institutions, society, economic life and religion within the Roman Empire. It was also seen as a transition period between classical antiquity and late antiquity.
Q: How long did it last?
A: The Crisis of the Third Century lasted from 235 to 284 AD - approximately 50 years.
