PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Diocletian was born around December 22, 240 A.D. as Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus.
He was the son of a poor family. His parents were both slaves.
Diocletian was in the military and had a high position. He was the military commander in Moesia.
He was accused of murdering 3 emperors and a military officer.
Diocletian came to power in 284, after the deaths of Carus and his son Numerian.
After he came to power,he appointed Galerius and Constantius as Caesars, junior co-emperors.
During his rule Diocletian issued several edicts in removing all rights from Christians until they converted to Roman Religion.
Diocletian also issued an edict to tear down churches to the foundations and destroy the sacred scriptures.
Diocletian had a wife and daughter who were both Christians. But, he did not kill them.
Diocletian gave away the thrown after 21 years and retired to Salona, where he lived until death.
His tomb was later turned into a Christian church, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, which is still standing within his palace.
Diocletian's palace is still standing today and is a tourist attraction in the city now known as Split.
