ABSTRACT
Diocletian rescued the Roman Empire from civil war and enacted administrative reforms that enabled it to survive for another century. Diocletian was born with the name Diocles in Iliyricum, a region of the Roman Empire located on the Balkan peninsula. He entered the Roman army and advanced to the rank of general within a relatively short time. Diocletian's interest in strengthening the state also led him to issue laws about economic and religious life. Diocletian's rule enabled the Roman Empire to restore control over sprawling territories in Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa. His persecution of the Christian church, however, failed to have the desired effect. Diocletian's most celebrated act of statecraft was the creation of the tetrarchy. Diocletian's aggressive religious policies also failed to unify the empire. His persecution of the Christian church after 303 was one of the most brutal in the history of ancient Rome and resulted in the martyrdom of thousands of believers.
