4th century

The 4th century spans the years 300 to 399 CE. It was a period of significant change in the Roman Empire, marked by the decline of traditional Roman pagan beliefs and the rise of Christianity as a dominant religion. The empire faced internal instability, including political struggles and invasions by barbarian groups. Throughout this century, Emperor Constantine the Great reunified and then divided the empire, also endorsing Christianity with the Edict of Milan in 313. The century saw important cultural, religious, and political shifts that set the stage for later medieval developments in Europe.