Diocletian's Retirement: A Turning Point in Roman History Diocletian's reign as emperor was marked by brutal purges and monumental building projects, but his decision to abdicate in 305 CE proved to be one of the most significant events in Roman history.
This transition was a carefully planned move that would lead to the division of the empire into two distinct halves with far reaching consequences for Western and Eastern civilizations.
Background on Diocletian's Reign Diocletian rose to power in 284 CE after civil wars and military uprisings had left the empire in shambles.