why was Diocletian so important in western development?

Answer 1

Diocletian was the Roman Emperor that divided the Empire into the Two Emperors - One in the West and he had another 'Co-Emperor' which would manage the Empire in the East. Both of these emperors had heirs or junior caesars.

Diocleation tried to resolve the issues that was dividing the Empire - the constant fighting among top Roman generals and their troops for the position of Emperor. Also allowed the Empire to be more effectively managed.

But at the same time, it was another step towards the eventual fall of the Empire - Diocleation could not have foreseen the problems that would happen as the two emperors fought their own junior caesars for control.

By Dividing the Empire in two - Diocletian opened up the way for the foundation of Modern Europe - dividing the Empire into East and West, which would eventually give way into Modern Europe 200 years later.

Diocleation was also responsible for instituting many of the administrative reforms as well as the economic reforrms to try to give stability to the Roman currency.

But another major reform he did was with the title of emperor - which many previous emperors had just ruled as dictators - It was Diocletian that actually changed the meaning of the head of state, to give it permanency.