Ancient Alexandria, jewel of Egypt, is renowned as a city of philosophy, medicine and alchemy. A crucial turning point happens 297 AD. With widespread revolt against Roman tax reforms, the pretender Domitius Domitianus rises to challenge Emperor Diocletian.
The catalyst for rebellion is considered to be a contentious tax decree. Much of Egypt supports Domitianus' opposition to the ruling authority of Rome. Since the Roman conquest c. 30 BCE Alexandria has persevered as a cosmopolitan center of knowledge, a melting pot of cultures.
Alexandria is the world's largest city up to 270 AD (a title taken by Rome), and the destination of truth seekers since the early years BCE. This vibrant atmosphere continues to attract great minds and liberal thinkers.
Domitius Domitianus's self-proclamation as Augustus in summer of 297 leads to a massive power struggle which brings down the wrath of Rome and the Emperor Diocletian himself to the forefront of battle at the siege of Alexandria.
Diocletian needs to restore order and re-assert his authority especially after the reactive Crisis of the 3rd Century (235 - 284 AD). His attempts to harmonize the Egyptian tax system with Imperial regulations continue to incur the hostility of Rome's conquered nations.
Rise of the Pretender
Lucius Domitius Domitianus is a mystery of ancient history. His background and family lineage are obscure. Some suggest he's the prefect of Egypt before his proclamation as Emperor. In the summer of 297 AD Domitianus proclaims himself Emperor, with Alexandrian support.
Whatever his origin, Domitianus the pretender meets a sudden demise scant months later in December 297. By this time, the Roman Empire has subdued most of the Egyptian rebellions and secured the countryside.
Pretender II
After the death of Domitianus, Aurelius Achilleus, the appointed corrector responsible for safeguarding Alexandria, steps into the void left by Domitianus. He asserts his own right to the throne and continues to challenge Rome. It's a fatal mistake.
The situation escalates. The power struggle persists until March 298. Despite fierce resistance by Achilleus, Diocletian reestablishes authority over the city. After a siege of eight months the city falls and Achilleus is captured. He's executed the same year.
Repercussions
In the aftermath of these events, Diocletian erects Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria late 298, symbolizing his triumph. While there, Diocletian oversees the finalization of administrative tasks, including a comprehensive census.
As a punitive measure against the rebellion, Alexandria is stripped of its autonomy to mint coins independently. Diocletian's reforms bring about a transformation in Egyptian administrative practices, aligning them more closely with Roman standards.
There's no reliable evidence to support the suggestion that Diocletian orders alchemy books burned in Alexandria.
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