Diocletian

Definition

Diocletian was Roman emperor from 284 to 305 CE. After the defeat and death of the Roman emperor Philip the Arab in 249 CE, the empire endured over three decades of ineffective rulers. The glory days of Augustus, Vespasian, and Trajan were long gone, and the once-powerful Roman Empire suffered both financially and militarily. There were constant attacks along the Danube River as well as in the eastern provinces. Finally, in 284 CE a man rose to the imperial throne who would completely change the face of the empire. His name was Diocletian.

More about: Diocletian

Timeline

  • 22 Dec 245 CE
    Birth of Emperor Diocletian.
  • 284 CE - 275 CE
    Crisis of the Third Century resolved during the reign of Diocletian.
  • 284 CE - 305 CE
    Reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian.
  • 285 CE
    The Roman empire is split into the Western and Eastern Roman empires.
  • 289 CE
    Emperor Diocletian defeats Sarmatians.
  • 292 CE
    Emperor Diocletian defeats Saracens.
  • 293 CE
    Diocletian reforms the Roman coinage system, guaranteeing the gold aurei at 60 to a pound and minting the nummus coin.
  • 298 CE
    Roman Emperor Diocletian reunifies the Kingdom of Armenia.
  • 301 CE
    Diocletian reasseses the values of Roman coins and limits minting rights to between 12 and 15 mints across the empire.
  • 303 CE
    Emperor Diocletian orders all Churches destroyed.
  • 305 CE
    The Baths of Diocletian in Rome are completed.
  • Oct 311 CE
    Death of Emperor Diocletian.
  • 330 CE
    Diocletian and Maximian celebrate a triumph in Rome for their victories in Britain and Africa.
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