FAMOUS ROMANS
DIOCLETIAN 244-311 BC
Nicknamed Jovius, was a Roman emperor from 284 to 305 AD, best known for stabilizing the empire after the Crisis of the Third Century. He implemented sweeping reforms, including the division of the empire into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires to improve administration, creating the Tetrarchy system with co-emperors. Diocletian also introduced economic reforms to combat inflation and reorganized the military.
His abdication in 305 AD was unprecedented and marked the first voluntary resignation of a Roman emperor.
CICERO 106-43 AD
Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher, known for his influential role in the late Roman Republic. He served as consul and became renowned for his speeches against conspiracy, particularly in his prosecution of Catiline, and his defense of the Roman Republic against rising tyranny.
Cicero’s philosophical works, especially those on ethics, politics, and rhetoric, became foundational texts for later Western thought. One of his most famous quotes is “Cuibono?”, meaning “Who benefits?”, which he used to question the motives behind actions.
CONSTANTINE THE GREAT 306-337 AD
Ruled from 306 to 337 AD, and he is best known for being the first Christian emperor of Rome. He played a pivotal role in the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which legalized Christianity, and he convened the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to address doctrinal disputes within the Christian church.
Constantine also moved the empire’s capital to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople, ensuring the long-lasting influence of the Eastern Roman Empire. His reign marked the beginning of the transition from a pagan Roman Empire to a Christian one.
SCIPIO AFRICANUS 236-183 BC
A Roman general and one of the greatest military commanders in Roman history, best known for his decisive victory over the Carthaginian general Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC during the Second Punic War. This victory secured Rome’s dominance over the western Mediterranean and earned him the title “Africanus.” Scipio’s military strategy and leadership were pivotal in Rome’s rise as an imperial power.
One of his famous quotes is “I have not failed; I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” often attributed to him in the context of his resilience and tactical brilliance.