The life and reforms of Emperor Diocletianus

This thesis aims to analyse the reforms of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. However, before understanding Diocletian's reforms, it is necessary to evaluate the historical process that brought him to power. In this context, the period known as 'Military Anarchy', which lasted 49 years, will be analysed. During this period, 32 Emperor candidates tried to take power, but all but two of them were bloodily murdered and withdrew from this race. Then, the life, military career and reforms of Diocletianus, who is considered as one of the most important emperors of the Roman Empire, will be analysed. Diocletianus laid the foundations of the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, by moving the capital of the 1000-year-old Roman Empire from Rome to Nicomedia (Izmit). This step set an example for Constantine the Great, who was to succeed him on the Roman throne, to choose his new capital in the East. In addition, Diocletian brought the ageing Roman Empire to a new level with his reforms in military, administrative, bureaucratic and economic fields, and these reforms guided Constantine the Great. Thus, Diocletianus can be considered as the founder of the Eastern Roman Empire with his new capital established in the East and his reforms.