A.D. 235-284, [[Roman]] emperors who seized power using the army as a base; they usually came from a poverty-stricken rural background. [[Diocletian]] (ruled 284-305 AD) was the most famous example. | A.D. 235-284, [[Roman]] emperors who seized power using the army as a base; they usually came from a poverty-stricken rural background. [[Diocletian]] (ruled 284-305 AD) was the most famous example. |