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Diocletian
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...
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Diocletian's Mausoleum
The octagonal mausoleum of Diocletian (now Cathedral of St. Domnius) inside Diocletian's Palace, Split (Croatia). Diocletian's Palace was built between 293-303 CE in preparation for his retirement on 1 May 305 CE.
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Government and Taxes under Diocletian and Constantine
The state created by Diocletian and Constantine used to be described as despotic and oppressive, extracting higher taxes and threatening its subjects with punishments for non-compliance. Recent research, however, paints a different picture...
Definition
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire, at its height (c. 117), was the most extensive political and social structure in western civilization. Building upon the foundation laid by the Roman Republic, the empire became the largest and most powerful political and...
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Basement halls of Diocletian's Palace
The basement halls of Diocletian's Palace were originally the supporting structures of the Roman emperor's residential quarters. They reflect the layout of the upper floor halls. Diocletian's Palace (Split, Croatia) was built at the turn...
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Egyptian sphinx from Diocletian's Palace
Diocletian's Palace was decorated with numerous granite sphinxes originating from the site of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III. Only three have survived the centuries. This one is still located on the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace.
Definition
Western Roman Empire
The Western Roman Empire is the modern-day term for the western half of the Roman Empire after it was divided in two by the emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305 CE) in c. 285/286 CE. The Romans themselves did not use this term. At its height (c...
Definition
The Barracks Emperors
The “Barracks Emperors” is a term coined by later historians referring to the Roman emperors who were chosen and supported by the army during the period known as the Crisis of the Third Century (also known as the Imperial Crisis, 235-284...
Definition
The Crisis of the Third Century
The Crisis of the Third Century (also known as the Imperial Crisis, 235-284 CE) was the period in the history of the Roman Empire during which it splintered into three separate political entities: the Gallic Empire, the Roman Empire, and...
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Roman Emperor Diocletian
Head of the Roman emperor Diocletian, 284 - 305 CE (Istanbul Archaeology Museum).