sep 18, 300 - Four Tetrarchs, Constantinople,
Description:
Two Augustus and two Ceaser
(Title not names)
Showing the two different parts of Rome are connected
Arm over shoulder shows Augustus is protecting Ceaser
Purple stone royalty Poryphry
With the establishment of the tetrarchy in 293 ce, the sculptors in the emperors’ employ suddenly had to grapple with a new prob- lem—namely, how to represent four individuals who oversaw different regions of a vast empire but were equal partners in power.
In an attempt to restore order to the Roman Empire, Diocletian (r. 284–305 ce), whose troops proclaimed him emperor, decided to share power with his potential rivals. In 293, he established the tetrarchy (rule by four) and adopted the title of Augustus of the East. The other three tetrarchs were a correspond- ing Augustus of the West, and Eastern and Western Caesars (whose allegiance to the two Augusti was cemented by marriage to their daughters).
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