Emperor Diocletian and the Great Persecution

This episode of The Ancients features an interview with Dr. David Gwynn, a returning guest and fan favorite, who discusses the life and reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The episode covers Diocletian's rise to power, his administrative and military reforms including the establishment of the Tetrarchy, and his complex legacy, notably the Great Persecution of Christians. The discussion also explores Diocletian's portrayal, his policies, and the challenges in interpreting historical sources, as well as the reasons behind the failure of the Great Persecution and Diocletian's eventual abdication and retirement.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Sources, Context

Part 2: Governance, Tetrarchy, Reforms

Part 3: The Great Persecution

Part 4: Legacy, Conclusion

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The Ancients

Part 1: Introduction, Sources, Context

Introduction to History Hit and the Episode's Focus on Diocletian

Diocletian: The Architect of the Later Roman Empire and Source Challenges

Diocletian's Rise to Power and the State of the Roman Empire

Part 2: Governance, Tetrarchy, Reforms

Diocletian's Delegation of Power and the Diarchy with Maximian

The Creation of the Tetrarchy: A Rule of Four

Diocletian's Portrayal and Administrative Achievements

Diocletian's Administrative Reforms: Divisions and Military Restructuring

Part 3: The Great Persecution

Setting the Stage for the Great Persecution: Christianity in the Roman Empire

The Great Persecution: Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Actions

The Outcome of the Great Persecution and Diocletian's Abdication

Part 4: Legacy, Conclusion

Conclusion and Call to Action

Emperor Diocletian and the Great Persecution

The Ancients

Part 1: Introduction, Sources, Context

00:00Introduction to History Hit and the Episode's Focus on Diocletian

Introduction to History Hit and the Episode's Focus on Diocletian

03:30Diocletian: The Architect of the Later Roman Empire and Source Challenges

Diocletian: The Architect of the Later Roman Empire and Source Challenges

07:24Diocletian's Rise to Power and the State of the Roman Empire

Diocletian's Rise to Power and the State of the Roman Empire

Part 2: Governance, Tetrarchy, Reforms

12:01Diocletian's Delegation of Power and the Diarchy with Maximian

Diocletian's Delegation of Power and the Diarchy with Maximian

17:58The Creation of the Tetrarchy: A Rule of Four

The Creation of the Tetrarchy: A Rule of Four

25:23Diocletian's Portrayal and Administrative Achievements

Diocletian's Portrayal and Administrative Achievements

30:10Diocletian's Administrative Reforms: Divisions and Military Restructuring

Diocletian's Administrative Reforms: Divisions and Military Restructuring

Part 3: The Great Persecution

37:23Setting the Stage for the Great Persecution: Christianity in the Roman Empire

Setting the Stage for the Great Persecution: Christianity in the Roman Empire

45:01The Great Persecution: Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Actions

The Great Persecution: Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Actions

50:01The Outcome of the Great Persecution and Diocletian's Abdication

The Outcome of the Great Persecution and Diocletian's Abdication

Part 4: Legacy, Conclusion

58:42Conclusion and Call to Action

Conclusion and Call to Action