The Year 285 AD and the Reign of Diocletian and Maximian

The year 285 AD was a significant turning point in the history of the Roman Empire. This period marked the beginning of the reign of Diocletian, an emperor whose leadership would reshape the empire's administrative and military structures. Alongside him, Maximian, his close ally and co-emperor, played a crucial role in stabilizing the Roman Empire during this turbulent era.

Diocletian's Rise to Power

In late 284 AD, Diocletian was proclaimed emperor by his troops after the assassination of Numerian. He quickly moved to consolidate power and secure his position, leading to a decisive confrontation at the Battle of the Margus in July 285 AD. Here, Diocletian defeated the forces of Carinus, the co-emperor and brother of Numerian, thereby securing his rule over the empire.

The Diarchy: Diocletian and Maximian

Recognizing the vastness and complexity of the Roman Empire, Diocletian appointed Maximian as his co-emperor in 286 AD. Maximian, a trusted military commander, was given the title of Augustus and took charge of the Western Roman Empire, while Diocletian governed the Eastern provinces. This division of power, known as the Diarchy, was an innovative approach to governance that allowed for more efficient management of the empire's vast territories.

Reforms and Administration

Diocletian and Maximian implemented several key reforms aimed at strengthening the empire:

Military Reforms: The emperors reorganized the Roman military, fortifying borders and increasing the number of legions to better respond to external threats.
Administrative Reforms: The empire was divided into smaller administrative units called dioceses, each overseen by a governor, to improve governance and local control.
Economic Reforms: Efforts were made to stabilize the economy, including currency reforms and the establishment of price controls to combat inflation.

The Tetrarchy System

Building upon the concept of shared power, Diocletian later expanded the governance model into what is known as the Tetrarchy in 293 AD. This system further divided the empire by appointing two junior emperors, known as Caesars, to assist each Augustus in ruling their respective territories. This innovative structure aimed to ensure smooth succession and prevent power struggles, although it ultimately proved unsustainable in the long term.

The Legacy of Diocletian and Maximian

The reforms and strategies implemented by Diocletian and Maximian during their reign laid the foundation for a more resilient Roman Empire. Their efforts to streamline administration and fortify the military contributed to a period of relative stability known as the Diocletianic Era.