287. The Bagauds revolt in Gaul.
288. Carausius, in command of the Roman fleet at Gessoriacum, revolts and establishes an independent sovereignty in Britain.
292. Constantius Chlorus and Galerius are appointed cæsars by Diocletian and Maximian; the Roman Empire is divided among the four.
293. Carausius is treacherously murdered by Allectus, who assumes the government of Britain.
296. Athanasius, the "Father of Orthodoxy," born.*
297. Achillius having revolted in Egypt, Diocletian in person suppresses the insurrection; Alexandria is captured and the inhabitants slaughtered.
298. Rome makes a victorious peace with Persia; extension of the Roman Empire.
300. From this date paganism declines. See "Conversion of Constantine," iii, [289].
303. Diocletian persecutes the Christians; the fiercest and most systematic persecution which they had yet suffered.
304. Severe illness of Diocletian, imputed to his long journey in the winter, but attributable rather to his vexation at the disorders caused by his change of policy toward the Christians, and to his finding it impossible to extirpate their religion. See "Conversion of Constantine," iii, [289].