A new epoch in the history of the Roman Empire began with the accession
of Diocletian to the throne in A.D. 284. From that time the old names of
consul, tribune, etc., belonging to the republic lost their significance, and
even the senate was practically abolished. Thenceforth the empire became an
oriental sovereignty. In the year 292, having previously associated with
himself one colleague, Maximianus Herculius, Diocletian created two Caesars:
the one, Galerius Maximianus, to act as his subordinate in the East; the
other, Constantius Chlorus, to divide the government of the western provinces
with Maximianus Herculius.
Decline of Paganism
19
Feb