Public sale of the empire to Didius Julianus by the Prætorian Guards.—Clodius Albinus in Britain, Pescennius Niger in Syria, and Septimus Severus in Pannonia, declare against the murderers of Pertinax.—Civil wars and victory of Severus over his three rivals.—Relaxations of discipline.—New maxims of government.
The death of Severus.—Tyranny of Caracalla.—Usurpation of Macrinus.—Follies of Elagabalus.—Virtues of Alexander Severus.—Licentiousness of the army.—General state of the Roman Finances.
The elevation and tyranny of Maximin.—Rebellion in Africa and Italy, under the authority of the Senate.—Civil Wars and Seditions.—Violent Deaths of Maximin and his Son, of Maximus and Balbinus, and of the three Gordians.—Usurpation and secular games of Philip.
The reign of Diocletian and his three associates, Maximian, Gallerius, and Constantius.—General re-establishment of order and tranquility.—The Persian war, victory, and triumph.—The new form of administration.—Abdication and retirement of Diocletian and Maximian.
Troubles after the abdication of Diocletian.—Death of Constantius.—Elevation of Constantine and Maxentius.—Six Emperors at the same time.—Death of Maximian and Gallerius.—Victories of Constantine over Maxentius and Licinius—Re-union of the Empire under the authority of Constantine.