Legitimacy and dynastic ambitions in the Roman Empire: AD 284-324

The Roman empire between the years AD 284-324 experienced a multitude of emperors who came into conflict with other claimants to the imperial throne. Therefore, advertising and strengthening their legitimacy was of paramount importance to every emperor. The political system established during this period, commonly known as the Tetrarchy, allowed for emperors to engage in programs of legitimacy that strayed from traditional Roman methods of promotion, namely inclusion into a college of multiple emperors. Although the Tetrarchy allowed emperors to promote themselves as part of an imperial college, the evidence from this period largely points to the fact that the traditional methods of promotion, such as dynastic links and military successes, were still the most desired for achieving legitimacy.

This thesis analyses the key factors at play in the legitimating programs of the many emperors who reigned from the ascension of Diocletian in 284 to Constantine’s defeat of his last political rival in 324. The focus of this analysis is the contemporary material that reveals the nature of how these emperors publicised themselves. Material such as coins, art, architecture, and literary sources are preferred for their ability to provide snapshots of imperial programs as they happened.