The 3rd century CE was marked by political instability, economic crises, and external invasions in the Roman Empire.
- Major Events
- Crisis of the Third Century (235–284 CE)
- Severe plague and economic disruptions
- Major Empires
- Roman Empire
- Parthian Empire → Sassanid Empire
- Major Conflicts
- Gothic invasions
- Roman civil wars
- Population Trends
- Decline in urban populations in Western provinces
- Key Leaders
- Maximinus Thrax
- Gallienus
- Key Intellectuals
- Plotinus (Philosophy)
- Major Religions
- Roman Religion, Early Christianity, Mithraism
- Currency
- Debased Roman coins due to inflation