Diocletian

I was born in Dalmatia, near Salona, of obscure stock. The army formed me. When Emperor Numerian was found dead, I accused the prefect Aper before the standards and killed him with my own hand. The legions raised me emperor; at the Margus I broke Carinus and took the empire whole.

I knew one man could not guard every river and road. I made Maximian my partner—first Caesar, then Augustus—and later set Galerius and Constantius as Caesars. Four rulers, one empire. I divided provinces into smaller parts, placed vicarii over new dioceses, and loosened governors’ grip. Civil and military chains ran separate and clear.

I counted fields and men, fixing dues through the iugatio-capitatio. I strengthened coinage with the argenteus and a steadier aureus. When prices rioted, I carved maximums in stone. The edict was bold; commerce answered stubbornly.

I honored the gods of our fathers. Pressed by Galerius and my own judgment, I ordered churches destroyed, scriptures surrendered, and sacrifices enforced. Some provinces bent; others evaded. The sect endured. On 1 May 305 I laid down the diadem and compelled Maximian to do the same. I retired to Spalatum and tended cabbages. When factions begged my return, I showed them my garden and kept my peace.