---
title: The Roman Tetrarchy Under Diocletian, 293–305 CE: An Empire Rebuilt — Stability Through Division, Succession by Design
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18530/the-roman-tetrarchy-under-diocletian-293-305-ce/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-05-11
---
# The Roman Tetrarchy Under Diocletian, 293–305 CE: An Empire Rebuilt — Stability Through Division, Succession by Design
_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18530.png)
## Image Caption
This map illustrates the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) Tetrarchy, a four-part imperial system established by Emperor [Diocletian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Diocletian/) (reigned 284–305 CE) in 293 CE to stabilize and defend the sprawling [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/). It aimed to address political instability, streamline governance, and improve military responsiveness by sharing imperial authority among multiple rulers across different regions.
The Tetrarchy (from the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) tetrarchia, meaning “rule of four”) divided the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) into two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesars). Diocletian ruled the East as [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) with Galerius (reigned as [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/) 293–305 CE, then as Augustus 305–311 CE) as his Caesar, while Maximian (reigned as Augustus 286–305 CE) governed the West with Constantius Chlorus (reigned as Caesar 293–305 CE, then as Augustus 305–306 CE) as his junior. Each ruler controlled a separate region with its own military and administrative apparatus, yet the empire remained nominally unified. This model allowed for decentralized leadership, improved border defense, and a planned system of succession through mentorship. However, after Diocletian and Maximian voluntarily abdicated in 305 CE, the delicate balance collapsed into rivalry and civil [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/), ultimately paving the way for [Constantine the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Constantine_I/) (reigned 306–337 CE) and a return to centralized rule.
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)
## Cite This Work
### APA
Netchev, S. (2024, February 23). The Roman Tetrarchy Under Diocletian, 293–305 CE: An Empire Rebuilt — Stability Through Division, Succession by Design. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Roman Tetrarchy Under Diocletian, 293–305 CE: An Empire Rebuilt — Stability Through Division, Succession by Design." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 23, 2024. .
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Roman Tetrarchy Under Diocletian, 293–305 CE: An Empire Rebuilt — Stability Through Division, Succession by Design." *World History Encyclopedia*, 23 Feb 2024, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 23 February 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.