311 facts for kids

Domitius Alexander

The year 311 (written as CCCXI in Roman numerals) was a common year. It started on a Monday in the Julian calendar. This year saw important changes in the Roman Empire and events in China.

Major Events of 311

Roman Empire Changes

Religious Freedom and Emperor Galerius

• On May 5, Emperor Galerius made a big announcement. He issued something called the Edict of Toleration. This important rule said that Christians could practice their religion freely. It officially ended the harsh treatment of Christians in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
• Sadly, Emperor Galerius died soon after, at the age of 51.

New Rulers and Persecution

• After Galerius died, Maximinus II took control of the Eastern Roman Empire. He unfortunately started to treat Christians badly again, even after the Edict of Toleration.
• Meanwhile, Maxentius, a Roman leader who had taken power without official approval (called a usurper), gained control of the African provinces. He took them from another leader named Domitius Alexander.
• Maxentius also built the Circus of Maxentius. This was a huge stadium for chariot races, located near the famous Via Appia road.
• On December 3, a very important former Roman Emperor named Diocletian died in a city now known as Split, Croatia.

Events in China

Jin Dynasty and the Xiongnu

• In China, Emperor Huai of the Jin Dynasty was captured. This happened in the capital city of Luoyang.
• The city of Luoyang was then looted and taken over by Liu Cong. He was the ruler of a group of people called the Xiongnu, who were similar to the Huns.

Religious Developments

New Pope and Church Split

• On July 2, a new leader for the Christian church was chosen. Pope Miltiades became the 32nd pope, taking over from Pope Eusebius.
• This year also saw a big disagreement within the Christian church in Africa. This split was known as the Donatist controversy.

Important People Who Died in 311

• Domitius Alexander, a Roman leader who had taken power without official approval.
• December 3 – Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus, a powerful Roman Emperor.
• May 5 – Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus, a Roman emperor who issued the Edict of Toleration.
• November 25 – Saint Peter, who was the leader of the church in Alexandria. He was killed for his beliefs.
• Sima Yue, a prince and important helper (called a regent) for the Jin Dynasty in China.

See also

In Spanish: 311 (desambiguación) para niños