Emperor Diocletian vs. St. George: A Clash of Power & Faith
Throughout history, few figures stand in such stark contrast as Emperor Diocletian and St. George. One was a Roman emperor known for his fierce administrative reforms and brutal persecution of Christians, while the other became a venerated saint and symbol of Christian martyrdom. Their legacies, however, are also preserved through the lens of ancient coinage—offering a fascinating glimpse into the era in which they lived.
Diocletian: The Architect of the Tetrarchy and the Great Persecution
Head of a statue of Diocletian, 295-300 A.D., via The J. Paul Getty Museum Villa Collection, Malibu
Emperor Diocletian (r. 284–305 AD) is best known for his radical reorganization of the Roman Empire. Recognizing the vast empire was too large for one ruler to govern effectively, he established the Tetrarchy—a system where power was divided among four rulers: himself, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius Chlorus. While this temporarily stabilized Rome, Diocletian is perhaps most infamous for initiating the Great Persecution (303-311 AD), the most severe crackdown on Christianity in Roman history. Under his rule, churches were destroyed, Christian texts burned, and thousands were executed for their faith, including the legendary St. George.
St. George: The Great Martyr and Legend
Byzantine icon of George. Athens, Greece
St. George was originally a Roman soldier of Cappadocian Greek origin who served in the army of Diocletian. When the emperor issued edicts demanding Christians pray up pagan goods and renounce their faith, George refused and publicly proclaimed his beliefs and tore up the edict in front of the Emperor. This act of defiance led to his imprisonment, torture, and execution in 303 AD. His unwavering faith made him a martyr, and over centuries, legends about him slaying a dragon emerged, transforming him into one of Christianity’s most celebrated saints. Here is an amazing video, the channel of which I might frequently share in future posts (So give them a like and subscribe 😉), that goes into the story in great detail.
Coinage of the Era: A Window into Power and Propaganda
Ancient coins serve as invaluable historical artifacts, reflecting the political, economic, and ideological climate of their time. During Diocletian’s reign, coinage underwent significant changes, particularly through the monetary reforms of 294 AD.
Key Coin Types from Diocletian’s Reign:
Aureus: The gold aureus continued to be issued but saw changes in weight and purity. It prominently displayed Diocletian’s image, often with inscriptions like “IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P F AVG” (Imperator Caesar Diocletianus Pius Felix Augustus), emphasizing his supreme authority.
Follis: One of Diocletian’s most important monetary reforms was the introduction of the follis, a large bronze coin with a thin silver wash. These coins often featured the emperor’s bust on the obverse and gods like Jupiter or Hercules on the reverse, reinforcing the divine right of Roman rulers.
Antoninianus: Although debased by the time of Diocletian, this coin remained in circulation but was later phased out due to its declining value
Religious Symbolism and Coinage
Notably, none of Diocletian’s coins bear any reference to Christianity, as his administration sought to reinforce traditional Roman religious values. Pagan deities dominated the reverse imagery, a stark contrast to later Christian emperors who would prominently feature crosses and saints.
While no coins from Diocletian’s time explicitly depict St. George, later Byzantine emperors honored him on their currency. These coins often show St. George as a warrior saint, reflecting his growing status as a protector of Christendom.
Manuel I Comnenus, 1143-1180. Half Tetarteron (Bronze, 19.5 mm, 2.19 g, 6 h), Type B, uncertain mint in Greece, circa 1152-1160. Ο/Γ/Ε- Γ[I]/ΟC Nimbate facing bust of St. George, holding spear and shield. Rev. MAN[...] Facing bust of Manuel, holding labarum and globus cruciger.
The Legacy of Two Titans
Diocletian’s reign left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire, particularly in governance and economic policies. Yet, despite his best efforts to suppress Christianity, he failed to halt its spread. Within a generation of his abdication, Emperor Constantine the Great would embrace Christianity, reshaping the empire’s future.
St. George, once a persecuted soldier, became one of the most revered saints in Christendom. His story of faith and defiance has been immortalized in churches, legends, and even on coins in the Byzantine and medieval periods.
Martyrdom of Saint George, by Paolo Veronese, 1564
Conclusion: Coins as a Historical Testament
Numismatics provides a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the rulers, ideologies, and economic policies of their time. The coins of Diocletian reflect an empire clinging to its traditional gods, while later Christian coinage, inspired by figures like St. George, highlights the dramatic transformation of Rome from a pagan empire to a Christian stronghold.
The clash between Diocletian and St. George remains a powerful narrative of power versus faith, with ancient coinage serving as a silent yet enduring witness to their intertwined destinies.