There is no scholarly consensus on the beginning date of Late Antiquity. Although one might make a case for the reign of Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 CE) or the death of Septimius Severus (r. 193-211 CE) or the reign of Constantine I (r. 306-337 CE), most historians contend the ideal choice is the transition from Principate to Dominate: the reign of Diocletian (285-305 CE).