Diocletian

Diocletian takes power after Aurelian's death at the hands of a subordinate, a very common death for the so-called "warrior emperors."
 * proclaimed emperor by his troops in 284 (was a military man)
 * provincial, if undistinguished. he seemed to be good at delegating power

Emperor of Reform

 * starts the Tetrarchy
 * Economic:
 * raises taxes, primarily to provincials (gives breaks to senators and equestrians) though pretty fair overall
 * institutes mechanisms for changing annual taxes (starts yearly census)
 * makes Italy a province; they have to pay taxes now
 * made Price Edict, tried to control inflation problems (left over from when Nero debased the coinage)
 * Military:
 * centralizes military authority
 * increases the size & salary; (tried to ensure loyalty of troops)
 * first person to break with Augustus' military reforms
 * conscriptions rather than volunteer