260: Croatia: The Man Who Saved The Roman Empire

The podcast explores the life and reign of Diocletian, a Roman emperor of Croatian origin, focusing on his rise from humble beginnings to power during the crisis of the third century. It highlights the state of anarchy in the Roman Empire, marked by civil wars, external pressures, and economic collapse, which created opportunities for figures like Diocletian. Diocletian's reforms, including the establishment of the tetrarchy and military fiscal complex, are examined as key factors that stabilized the empire and laid the groundwork for the Byzantine Empire. The discussion also covers Diocletian's complex relationship with Roman traditions, his persecution of Christians, and his eventual abdication and retirement to his palace in Split.