Tristan Hughes

This is the story of Emperor Diocletian with our returning guest, Dr. David Gwynne.

He's such a fascinating figure, isn't he, Diocletian?

Because he also comes right at the end of this turbulent period and it feels like he's central to the reforming, the transformation of the Roman Empire at that time.

He is very much right at the top there, isn't he?

And in regards to the sources that we have for him, how many sources, what types of sources do we have?

And let's set the record straight in regards to the time period that we're talking about with Diocletian.

So this is the late 3rd century, beginning of the 4th century with him.

Brilliant.

Well, now let's talk about his rise to power.

So let's get to that stage of 284.

First off, do we know much about his origins?

Do we know much about his backstory?

And of those three, it's Carus and Numerian.

They're the two which get struck by lightning, aren't they, in quick succession?

Yes, Carus is the dad.

Numerian is one of the sons.

And Diocles is serving in Numerian's army as one of the highest positions when Numerian falls, sorry, gets struck by lightning.

When Numerian dies, and he's in Turkey at that time, isn't he?

Yes.

Let's start at the beginning of his reign.