Page "Diocletian" Paragraph 47

From Ravenna, Diocletian left for the Danube.

There, possibly in Galerius ' company, he took part in a campaign against the Carpi.

He contracted a minor illness while on campaign, but his condition quickly worsened and he chose to travel in a litter.

In the late summer he left for Nicomedia.

On 20 November, he appeared in public to dedicate the opening of the circus beside his palace.

He collapsed soon after the ceremonies.

Over the winter of 304 – 5 he kept within his palace at all times.

Rumors alleging that Diocletian's death was merely being kept secret until Galerius could come to assume power spread through the city.

On 13 December, he seemed to have finally died.

The city was sent into a mourning from which it was only retrieved by public declarations of his survival.

When Diocletian reappeared in public on 1 March 305, he was emaciated and barely recognizable.