The Tetrarchy: The Rise And Fall Of The Diocletian Empire
Diocletian concluded that the empire was far too large and complex to be ruled by only a single emperor. Therefore, in order to provide an imperial presence throughout the empire, he introduced a new system called the Tetrarchy. This system describes a form of government where power is divided among four individuals. In 285, Diocletian assigned his lieutenant Maximianus the Western half of the empire. In 286, Diocletian promoted him to the rank of Augustus or "Senior Emperor", and in 293, he appointed Constantius to Gaul and Britain in the West, and assigned Galerius the Balkans in the East. However, the practice of the Tetrarchy began the process that would eventually split the empire in 395.
The economy was a major problem as well. Diocletian
attempted to reissue coins, however there was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. Eventually, Diocletian had to accept the ruined economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind.
To assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations that were crucial to make this happen. Those occupations included soldiers, bakers, tenant farmers and member of the town council. These occupations soon became hereditary and those engaging in them were inhibited to change their careers.
In the beginning of May 305, following his 20 years of rule, Diocletian resigned from his throne. Along with his resignation, Diocletian also compelled Maximianus to do the same. Caesars Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new caesars were appointed - Maximinus in the East and Severus in the West. Diocletian then retired to his palace in Split.
The economy was a major problem as well. Diocletian
attempted to reissue coins, however there was not enough gold and silver available to restore confidence in the currency. Eventually, Diocletian had to accept the ruined economy and revised the tax system so that it was based on payments in kind.
To assure the long term survival of the empire, Diocletian identified certain occupations that were crucial to make this happen. Those occupations included soldiers, bakers, tenant farmers and member of the town council. These occupations soon became hereditary and those engaging in them were inhibited to change their careers.
In the beginning of May 305, following his 20 years of rule, Diocletian resigned from his throne. Along with his resignation, Diocletian also compelled Maximianus to do the same. Caesars Constantius and Galerius then became the new Augusti, and two new caesars were appointed - Maximinus in the East and Severus in the West. Diocletian then retired to his palace in Split.