(L. name Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) 245-313; Rom. emperor (284-305)
See Diocletian in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(dīˌə-klēˈshən) Originally Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus. A.D. 245?-313?
Emperor of Rome (284-305) who divided the empire into east and west (286) in an attempt to rule the territory more effectively. His desire to revive the old religion of Rome led to the last major persecution of the Christians (303).