On this date in 244 the Roman Emperor Diocletian was born.
- At least, some historians say 22 December was his birthdate, because it was his official birthday, but others disagree.
- His parents gave him the Greek name Diocles, or possibly Diocles Valerius. He changed it when he became emperor to Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus.
- He didn't inherit the position of emperor. In fact, his family were of low status, and lived in the Roman province of Dalmatia, in present day Croatia.
- Diocletian rose through the ranks of the Roman army and become cavalry commander to the Emperor Carus. Carus died during a military campaign in Persia. His son Numerian set out to claim the throne, but on the journey, was found dead in his coach. Diocletian accused a member of the entourage, Aper, of killing him. After swearing an oath that he himself had nothing to do with the assassination, he executed Aper, quoting Virgil as he ran him through with his sword.
- Despite coming from a low status family himself, Diocletian didn't believe in social mobility for anyone else. He brought in laws which stated sons must follow in their father's profession.
- Diocletian instigated the system of tetrarchy, in which junior emperors were appointed and each of them ruled a quarter of the empire.
- Diocletian unsuccessfully tried to control inflation using price control.
- He was a bit of an egomaniac. His subjects were required to prostrate themselves in his presence. If they were really lucky, they were allowed to kiss the hem of his robe. He hated visiting Rome because the people there treated him with too much familiarity.
- He was the first Roman Emperor to abdicate. He left office in 305, after becoming ill and retired to his palace in Split, Croatia, where, like many retired people today, he spent his time gardening. He died in 312. It's thought he may have committed suicide after hearing about the failure of his tetrarchic system.
- Diocletian is best known for his extensive and cruel persecution of Christians. His attempts to stop the spread of Christianity failed spectacularly when just 12 years after his death, Constantine became emperor. Constantine was a Christian, and Christianity became the empire's preferred religion. Even Diocletian's tomb in Split is now a Christian church, the Cathedral of St. Domnius. If you visit and here a strange shuffling noise, it's probably Diocletian turning in his grave.
Superheroes getting together for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong? My latest novel. Only £5! Even less for the kindle!
A Very Variant Christmas
Last year, Jade and Gloria were embroiled in a bitter conflict to win back their throne and their ancestral home. This year, Queen Jade and Princess Gloria want to host the biggest and best Christmas party ever in their palace. They invite all their friends to come and bring guests. Not even the birth of Jade's heir just before Christmas will stop them.
The guest list includes most of Britain's complement of super-powered crime-fighters, their families and friends. What could possibly go wrong?
Gatecrashers, unexpected arrivals, exploding Christmas crackers and a kidnapping, for starters.
Far away in space, the Constellations, a cosmic peacekeeping force, have suffered a tragic loss. They need to recruit a new member to replace their dead colleague. The two top candidates are both at Jade and Gloria's party. The arrival of the recruitment delegation on Christmas Eve is a surprise for everyone; but their visit means one guest now faces a life-changing decision.
Meanwhile, an alliance of the enemies of various guests at the party has infiltrated the palace; they hide in the dungeon, plotting how best to get rid of the crime-fighters and the royal family once and for all. Problem is, they all have their own agendas and differences of opinion on how to achieve their aims.
Not to mention that this year, the ghosts who walk the corridors of the palace on Christmas Eve will be as surprised by the living as the living are by them.
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