Appearing in various movies and books, the Roman Empire existed as one of the largest empires humanity has ever witnessed. Though most experts comment on the vast size of the Empire, the individuals who ruled over the Roman Empire receive the main attention. Whether known for their stringent rule or their long-lasting legacy on the Roman Empire, almost all of the Roman Emperors acquired fame through their rule. One of the most influential leaders of the Roman Empire, Emperor Diocletian, found his notorious fame through the persecution of Christians. Though many fault him with the persecution of Christians, Emperor Diocletian imposed various reformations, which reinstated the Roman Empire as a world power.
Born in 245 A.D. Salonae, Dalmatia …show more content…
Diocletian focused his efforts on establishing the Roman Army, the main reason for the civil war when Diocletian was a young boy. First, Emperor Diocletian split the army in two. One part was a stationary frontier militia who could stop minor invasions and slow down larger ones. The other, a mobile legion, which consisted mainly of cavalry that could rush to locations the frontier militia could not handle (Butler). Diocletian also split the control of each province between civil and military authorities. The previous fifty provinces were then split into 100. The provinces were also subdivided into 12 dioceses, each under a vicar ("Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus”). This action assured Diocletian that little to no rebellions would arise. Rebellious generals now had a harder time setting up successful revolts, requests for food and money now required the consent of both the civil and military authority …show more content…
The religious reform of Diocletian was one of the most controversial changes to occur in the Roman Empire. In 303 A.D., with the influence of Emperor Galerius, Diocletian issued four harsh decrees against the Christian faith. The decrees forced all citizens to pledge allegiance to the emperor (Mathisen). Under Diocletian, the Roman Emperors became god-like creatures, and anyone who refused to worship the emperor received harsh punishment ("Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus”). Diocletian demanded clergy to make sacrifices to him, and were killed if they refused. Diocletian also demanded the destruction of all churches and any religious documents
Born in 245 A.D. Salonae, Dalmatia …show more content…
Diocletian focused his efforts on establishing the Roman Army, the main reason for the civil war when Diocletian was a young boy. First, Emperor Diocletian split the army in two. One part was a stationary frontier militia who could stop minor invasions and slow down larger ones. The other, a mobile legion, which consisted mainly of cavalry that could rush to locations the frontier militia could not handle (Butler). Diocletian also split the control of each province between civil and military authorities. The previous fifty provinces were then split into 100. The provinces were also subdivided into 12 dioceses, each under a vicar ("Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus”). This action assured Diocletian that little to no rebellions would arise. Rebellious generals now had a harder time setting up successful revolts, requests for food and money now required the consent of both the civil and military authority …show more content…
The religious reform of Diocletian was one of the most controversial changes to occur in the Roman Empire. In 303 A.D., with the influence of Emperor Galerius, Diocletian issued four harsh decrees against the Christian faith. The decrees forced all citizens to pledge allegiance to the emperor (Mathisen). Under Diocletian, the Roman Emperors became god-like creatures, and anyone who refused to worship the emperor received harsh punishment ("Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus”). Diocletian demanded clergy to make sacrifices to him, and were killed if they refused. Diocletian also demanded the destruction of all churches and any religious documents