Diocletian: The Architect of Empire

The rise of Diocletian must be understood within the broader context of the profound crisis that engulfed the Roman Empire during the third century. This period, often referred to as the Crisis of the Third Century, was characterized by political fragmentation, economic turmoil, military disasters, and social unrest. Between 235 and 284 AD, the Roman Empire witnessed the reigns of over 25 emperors, most of whom met violent ends. These emperors, often military usurpers, ruled for brief, tumu...