Emperor Diocletian: The Man Who Reformed Rome
The Crisis of Rome
From 96 AD to 180, the Roman Empire was ruled by a string of competent, experienced, and capable Emperors, bringing peace and prosperity to the Empire.
Unsurprisingly, these men are remembered well ever since, and the period of their reigns became known as the Reign of the Five Good Emperors.
The Five Good Emperors were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, men who differed greatly from one another. Trajan was a conqueror, Hadrian was a builder and traveler, while Marcus Aurelius is today known as the philosopher Emperor. Nonetheless, in terms of leadership, all proved worthy of their high position.
Unfortunately, as with all good streaks, the line of good Emperors also came to an end when Marcus Aurelius was succeeded by his son Commodus.
In many regards, the streak was down to luck also, as all the previous good Emperors lacked a son to succeed them, forcing all to appoint successors, capable men whom they believed were up to the job. Marcus Aurelius, unfortunately for the empire, had a son, and paternal love clouded his judgment enough to name Commodus his heir, though the young man was woefully unfit to rule anything.
