Your Day in the Ancient Greek World
May 1
May 1 in ancient Greece is represented in our source-audited archive by 3 verified records spanning AD 305 to AD 408. Together, the entries below connect this calendar date with different moments in the ancient Greek world through historical and documentary evidence.
Across the centuries
On This Day
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AD 305
Event That Shaped History
Diocletian and Maximian Abdicate Together
On May 1, AD 305, Diocletian and Maximian formally gave up the imperial title, raising Constantius and Galerius to the rank of Augustus.
Sources
Primary evidence
- Eusebius, Church History VIII.13
- Lactantius, De Mortibus Persecutorum 19
Modern scholarship
- Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers chronological notes
Public links
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AD 316
Life on This Day
A Village Account Tracks Donkey Transport Obligations
On May 1, AD 316, a Greek account from the Sakaon archive recorded administrative obligations connected with donkey transport and named villagers.
Sources
Primary evidence
- P.Sakaon 19
Modern scholarship
- Trismegistos Sakaon archive record
- Modern scholarship on the Sakaon archive
Public links
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AD 408
Event That Shaped History
Arcadius Dies and Theodosius II Remains Emperor
On May 1, AD 408, Emperor Arcadius died and his young son Theodosius II remained emperor in the East.
Sources
Primary evidence
- Socrates Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History
- Sozomen, Ecclesiastical History
Modern scholarship
- Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers edition
Public links