Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DIOCLETIAN

Valerius Diocletianus, the “second founder of the Roman Empire,” emperor 285-305 c.e. Recognizing that a single ruler would be unable to maintain power against internal and external threats, Diocletian reorganized and transformed the empire. He created the Tetrarchy, a college of four emperors, two senior Augusti and two junior Caesars. He also reorganized the provincial structure, with smaller provinces and new larger regional structures called prefectures and dioceses. For the first time, political and military administration were completely separated. The army was thoroughly restructured and the Roman financial and judicial systems revised. These reforms reinvigorated Rome and in large part made possible the continuation of the empire for almost another 200 years.

Diocletian’s program also entailed reemphasis of traditional Roman values, including religion. He and his colleague Maximian identified themselves with Jove and Hercules, respectively. Roman gods were to be honored alone or with gods of other religions by civil servants and soldiers. Large numbers of Christians, who occupied both government and military posts, refused to obey, which gave rise to their widespread persecution.

Bibliography. T. D. Barnes, The New Empire of Diocletian and Constantine (Cambridge, Mass., 1982); S. Williams, Diocletian and the Roman Recovery (New York, 1985).

John F. Hall

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DIOCLETIAN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)