Diocletian AD 284-305. Rome
Argenteus AR

17 mm, 2,56 g

DIOCLETIANVS AVG, laureate head to right / PROVIDENTIA AVGG, four princes sacrificing over tripod before gate in six-turreted enclosure.

Very Fine

RIC 10.

Diocletian, originally Diocles, was a Roman emperor from AD 284 to 305. He initiated significant reforms that helped the Roman Empire overcome the Crisis of the Third Century and established the Diocletianic Era. Rising from humble origins in Dalmatia, he advanced in the military, eventually becoming emperor after the deaths of Carus and Numerian. Diocletian's reign brought stability and ended the crisis. He appointed Maximian as co- emperor in AD 286 and later expanded the system with junior colleagues Galerius and Constantius. This Tetrarchy divided the empire's rule into quarters. Diocletian strengthened the borders, defeated enemies, and established peace with Persia. His rule marked bureaucratic growth, administrative reorganization, and higher taxation. Diocletian's economic reforms, like price controls, had mixed results. His tetrarchic system collapsed after his abdication, leading to dynastic challenges. Though his persecution of Christians failed, Diocletian's legacy lies in reshaping the Roman government, stabilizing the empire, and enabling its endurance for another 150 years. After abdicating due to illness in 305, he lived quietly in retirement in Split, Croatia, where his palace formed the basis of the modern city.