Roman Empire Under Diocletian

Zoie ClineFernanda DiazHallie BurtonBrooke Cantu

Isabel Martinez

Born Dalmatia on December 22, 244. Died December 3, 311 Reign= April 1, 284- May 1, 305 Father was poor, so Diocletian had to gain

power through moving up in military ranks. Married to Prisca.

Diocletian

After Carus died, Numerian was supposed to

take control of the empire until his suspicious death, soldiers turned to Diocletian.

Prefect of the Guard, Arrius Aper killed Numerian.

Once Aper was pronounced guilty and killed, Diocletian was named emperor.

How he came to power

Christianity appealed to the poor and rich

societies. Diocletian banned Christianity. Severely persecuted Christians:

-churches destroyed-scriptures/books burned-priests sent to prison.

Officially ended with the Edicts of Milan.

The Great Persecution

Bathing was a major part of Roman society

and culture. Many loved to enjoy a long bath after a hard day of work.

Many honored Roman Gods: Believed that they could make life better.

Diocletian gave himself divine status and so attacking his was deemed sacrilege, and security became looser.

Diocletian split empire between Latin speaking west and Greek speaking east.

Cultural/social

Diocletian saved Rome from the 3rd century Crisis. Diocletian exerted pressure to worship himself as a God. Tetrarchy, separation into rule of four, led to the division of Rome

100 years after Diocletian retired. Diocletian governed the east, Maximian ruled west, Constantius and

Galerius elevated to rank of Augusti. Diocletian reformed the imperial government and military and

replaced old administrative system. He increased the amount of officials and each province had a

governor. Provinces among 12 ‘dioceses’ each ‘diocese’ under ‘vicar’ then

under 4 praetorian prefects. Diocletian sought to solve defense, government, and protection

against assassination issues.

Political

Civil wars during the 3rd century end with these effects:

-Silver value decreasing dramatically -The economy collapse such resulted in:- Restored value of currency with the Edicts on prices. At first hard to trade money because people had

different coins. With all the taxes Diocletian placed the economy

went down again. silver coinage was reduced dramatically in size,

weight, and silver content.

Economic

Change in currency, decrease and fall of silver value

the nation's resources reviewed periodically after determining the national budget each

year, the emperor and advisers set the tax rate

a uniform currency for the whole empire Such reforms sent prices skyrocketing because

much of the old coinage was still in circulation

Finance reforms

Diocletian was the first attempt by a government to

impose wage and price controls The attempt to drive goods off the market made an

even larger black market Such attempts failed at lowering the goods prices Resulted in as much as a 7300% increase in the price of

wheat from the previous century Next, Diocletian attempted to reestablish the base unit

of the monetary system: creating a bronze token coinage similar to today’s penny. (not much value)

Monetary system

Lead to the Fall of Rome. Territory so large that the government couldn’t control

it. When Constantine became Emperor(301-337 ad) he

became first Christian ruler and was a strong ruler. When he moved the capital to Constinople, an eastern city, it left northern Rome more vulnerable and susceptible to attack.

Taxes increased which lead to unpopularity of government.

Rome fell 476 ce under the ruling of Romulus. East turns into Byzantine.

Impact of Dividing Empire

Diocletian created Tetrarchy- a rule of 4. Edict on Prices restored value of currency. Diocletian severely persecuted Christians,

called the Great persecution. Tax varied every year New currency stablished

Key Points