Diocletian was a Roman Emperor who held office from 284 AD until 305 AD. He was born in December of 244 and passed away in December of 311. Diocletian went by the name "Augustus" when he served as Emperor, and was actually given the name Diocles at birth. However, he is commonly called Diocletian because he reigned over both the east and west Roman Empires.

During his reign, Diocletian focused on improving the state's economy through bureaucracy and tax reform. He standardized the tax rates and attempted to curb inflation through price controls, though he was largely unsuccessful in that effort. He left office in 305, making himself the only Roman Emperor ever to abdicate the throne by choice. His choice, however, did allow Rome to remain intact for another century.