2019-11-20 Wed

Diocletian was a Roman Emperor reigning from 284 to 305. Today on 20th November in the year 284 he was chosen as Roman Emperor. He stored efficient government to the empire after the near anarchy of the 3rd century. His reign is also noted for the last great persecution of the Christians.

Born on 22nd December, 244, to a family of low status in Dalmatia, Diocletian rose through the ranks of the military to become a roman cavalry commander to Emperor Carus. His reorganization of the fiscal, administrative, and military machinery of the empire laid the foundation for the Byzantine Empire in the East and temporarily shored up the decaying empire in the West.

Depicted here is an Antoninianus issued under his reign from Heraclea mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Diocletian facing right. The reverse of a coin engraved Emperor standing right, holding scepter and receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, holding scepter.

Image Source: wikipedia.org