Final answer:
The Roman Empire experienced the Crisis of the Third Century between 235-284 CE, characterized by political instability, economic problems, and foreign invasions. The near-constant change in emperors, most of whom were violently removed from power, led to a lack of effective governance. The crisis ended with Emperor Diocletian's rise to power and his stabilization reforms, including the Tetrarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crisis of the Third Century
The period between 235 and 284 CE in the Roman Empire is known as the Crisis of the Third Century. After the assassination of Emperor Severus Alexander, the empire faced severe political instability, with a staggering toll of twenty-six emperors in fifty years, most of whom were murdered or died in battle. This tumultuous period saw the Roman Empire grapple with continuous foreign invasions, civil unrest, and an increasingly devalued currency, resulting in economic turmoil.
During this era, emperors primarily focused on claiming the throne or clinging to power, often neglecting other critical aspects of governance. The frequent shifts in power hindered consistent administration, exacerbating the empire's problems and contributing to the overall crisis. The situation deteriorated to such an extent that, at some point, the empire was temporarily split into three competing regimes under rival claimants.
However, this chaotic era concluded with the rise of Emperor Diocletian in 284 CE, who introduced significant reforms, including the establishment of the Tetrarchy system, to stabilize the empire and enhance governance. Diocletian's innovative approach to leadership, which included sharing power with a co-emperor and further dividing responsibilities among junior emperors, marked the beginning of recovery from the crisis.