Events By place Roman Empire May 1—Diocletian and Maximian, Emperors of Rome, retire from office. Constantius Chlorus and Galerius are declared Augusti; Flavius Valerius Severus and Maximinus Daia are appointed Caesars. The Arch of Galerius is built. In the Western Empire, the capital is moved from Rome to Milan. Maximinus Daïa (305–313) persecutes the Christians of Egypt, many of whom take refuge in the desert. In time, this refuge leads to the monastic life. In these monaste… (More on 305)