AD 284
Diocletian emperor

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When Diocletian becomes emperor in AD 284, he surprises Rome by holding out an olive branch to supporters of his rivals. He shocks the empire even more the following year, when he appoints Maximian, who has been campaigning successfully in Gaul, as joint emperor; Maximian takes charge in the west, while Diocletian rules in the east. Over the next two decades, the joint emperors have to deal with Carausius, a rebel 'emperor' based in Britain; attacks by Berber tribes in north Africa; continuing incursions by Germanic tribes across the Rhine and Danube; and ongoing conflicts in Asia Minor. The persecution of the Christians is initiated, with churches destroyed, books burned and property confiscated. Diocletian refines the joint emperorship by establishing the 'tetrarchy' ('four rulers'), which comprises the two Augusti, or senior emperors, and two Caesars as junior emperors and heirs. He also completely reorganises the administration of the empire, grouping the different provinces into 12 dioceses run by 'vicars'. It proves remarkably effective; Diocletian is even able to retire and live out his days in peace at his palace at Salonae in Dalmatia (see 1 May AD 305.

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