Tetrarchy

Definition: Tetrarchy comes from the Greek words for four (tetra-) and rule (arch-) or what would be called a quadrumvirate, and refers to the establishment by Emperor Diocletian, in 293, of a four-part division of the Roman Empire. Diocletian continued to rule in the East. He made Maximian co-emperor in the West. They were each called "Augustus" which signified that they were emperors. Subordinate to them were the two "Caesars": Galerius, in the east, and Constantius in the west. An Augustus was always emperor. Sometimes the Caesars were also referred to as emperors.

Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter

a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyz