| The economic reforms of Diocletian rarely have been studied as a complete entity, since modern scholars have concentrated on individual aspects of them. This dissertation explores his reforms in detail treating them both individually and as a whole, to ascertain the emperor's purpose and effectiveness in late Roman economics. Major topics are: (1) Political and Military Measures, (2) Tax Assessment, (3) Coinage Reform and Circulation, (4) Price Edict, (5) Philosophy of Reform and Building Program.; The political and military measures ensured the safety of the empire, with the Tetrarchy allowing an orderly transmission of power and the provincial reform standardizing the empire.; As far as Diocletian's tax reform is concerned, modern scholars traditionally have viewed it as rigid and oppressive. The evidence, however, contradicts this, since the reform took into account local variations and attempted to make the collections equitable.; After the disastrous third century policies of continual debasement, Diocletian reintroduced a bimetallic standard by issuing a sound gold piece, the aureus, a new pure silver coin, the argenteus, and a silver-washed coin, the nummus. Research shows that the coinage reform succeeded as witnessed by the circulation pattern of the nummus.; The most controversial reform, the Price Edict of 301 A.D., has been dismissed as unrealistic and ineffective. The evidence, however, indicates that the price level for most commodities, in comparison to other periods, was equal or above market value. In addition, the purpose of the Price Edict seems to have been to stabilize the coinage after a reform in 301 A.D. and/or to supply the government annona.; An examination of the philosophy behind Diocletian's reforms indicates that many of these had been suggested and enacted throughout the third century A.D. This implies that the emperor was not a radical reformer, but rather that he completed many changes begun a century before.; Diocletian's building program throughout the empire shows that the provinces experienced a re-birth in public works. This further indicates that the economic reforms were successful and reached all levels of society. This success is also shown by the fact that while inflation was under control during Diocletian's reign, it ran rampant under Constantine. |
