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At the beginning of Diocletian's rule Rome was at war with Persia. Rome was very large under Diocletian's rule, so large that he had to install the tetrarchy. 

Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus

He ruled from 284 AD to 305 AD.

Diocletian began as a soldier in military camps, or a bodygaurd of Carinus (no one knows which one for sure), who was called to a meeting by Emporer Carinus to fight against Persia. While in Rome at this meeting, Aper, Carinus' father, was accused of killing Numerian, Carinus' brother and co-emporer. This event marked the end of Carinus and Numerian's rule. Diocletian killed Aper and was then presented to the public wearing tyrian purple clothes, marking the beginning of his rule.

 

 

This is what Rome may have looked like at the beginning of Diocletian's rule.
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