Diocletian vs Qin Shi Huang

Diocletian created the Tetrarchy, dividing the Roman Empire into four administrative regions ruled by two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesares). This system aimed to improve governance and defense, and stabilize imperial succession.

Diocletian reorganized the Roman provinces into smaller units (dioceses) grouped into four prefectures, separating civilian and military authority. This reform improved tax collection and administration, but also increased bureaucracy.

Diocletian issued the Edict on Maximum Prices, setting price ceilings on over 1,000 goods and services to combat inflation. The edict was largely ineffective and led to black markets, but demonstrated the state's attempt to control the economy.

Diocletian issued a series of edicts ordering the persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Churches were destroyed, scriptures burned, and Christians were executed or forced to sacrifice to Roman gods. This was the last and most severe state-sponsored persecution.

Diocletian voluntarily abdicated the throne, retiring to his palace in Split (modern Croatia). He forced his co-emperor Maximian to do the same, setting a precedent for orderly succession, though the Tetrarchy soon collapsed after his departure.

Qin Shi Huang commissioned a vast mausoleum complex near Xi'an, guarded by thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. The project employed hundreds of thousands of workers and reflected his obsession with immortality and imperial power.

From 230 to 221 BCE, Ying Zheng led the Qin state in a series of campaigns that conquered the Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi states. This unified China under a single ruler for the first time, ending the Warring States period.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the standardization of Chinese script, currency, and weights and measures across the unified empire. This facilitated administration, trade, and cultural integration, laying a foundation for future dynasties.

After conquering the last independent state, Ying Zheng declared himself Shi Huangdi (First Emperor), founding the Qin Dynasty. He adopted a new title to signify his supreme authority and initiated centralized imperial rule.

Qin Shi Huang ordered the connection and extension of existing northern fortifications to create a unified defensive wall against nomadic Xiongnu raids. This project involved massive conscripted labor and became the precursor to the later Great Wall.

On the advice of Li Si, Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of historical records and philosophical texts not aligned with Legalist doctrine. He also had 460 Confucian scholars buried alive to suppress dissent and consolidate ideological control.