Coin with depictions of, on one side, the head of the emperor Diocletian, and, on the other, a standing bearded god with an indistinct attribute, perhaps the horn of plenty. The reign of Diocletian marks a turning-point in the history of the Empire, and in Egypt the end of support for Pharaonic traditions such as the construction of temples in Egyptian style with hieroglyphic inscription. Diocletian was one of the few Roman Emperors to visit Egypt, overhauling military and civilian government. He persecuted the Christian community with such ferocity that the Coptic Church dates its years from his accession, as the 'Era of Martyrs'.
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