Commodus to Constantine: The Peak and Decline of the Roman Empire

The late Roman Empire faced unprecedented instability as Commodus's erratic reign led to military pressures from external foes and economic hardships. Diocletian's reforms attempted to stabilize the economy, even as he split the empire and persecuted Christians to bolster unity. Meanwhile, Constantine's rise marked a pivotal shift: his conversion to Christianity, the Council of Nicaea, and founding of Constantinople set the stage for a new era. Yet, these reforms provided only a temporary reprieve before the inevitable decline.