Roman Emperor (Dominate)

The accession to the purple on November 20, 284, of Diocletian, the lower-class, Greek-speaking Dalmatian commander of Carus's and Numerian's household cavalry (protectores domestici), marked a major departure from traditional Roman constitutional theory regarding the Emperor, who was nominally first among equals; Diocletian introduced Oriental despotism into the Imperial dignity. Whereas before Emperors had worn only a purple toga (toga purpura) and greeted with deference, Diocletian wore jewelled robes and shoes, and required those who greeted him to kneel and kiss the hem of his robe (adoratio). In many ways, Diocletian was the first monarchical Emperor, and this is symbolised by the fact that the word dominus ("Lord") rapidly replaced princeps as the favoured word for referring to the Emperor. Significantly, neither Diocletian nor his co-Emperor Maximian spent much time in Rome after 286, establishing their Imperial capitals at Nicomedia and Mediolanum (modern Milan), respectively.

Related Topics:
November 20 - 284 - Diocletian - Dalmatia - 286 - Nicomedia - Mediolanum

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Diocletian ("Imp. Caesar C. Aurelius Diocletianus P.F. Invictus Aug."; b. Dioclês), 284 - 293
• Maximian ("Imp. Caesar M. Aurelius Valerius Maximianus P.F. Invictus Aug."; b. Maximianus), 286 - 293
 
Roman Emperor (Dominate): The Tetrarchy ►