The Baths of Diocletian in time

The Baths of Diocletian were built in a time of a brief recovery for the Roman Empire during the late 200's AD. Valerian and his co-emperor Gallienus fought successfully against the Persians and the Germans. Gallienus further re-organized the army and made a major strike on the Goths. Aurelian, who successfully defended northern Italy, constructed the new Roman defensive walls in 271-275 (known as the Aurelian wall).

This activity strengthened the integrity of the Empire and Diocletian, upon his rise to power in 284 implemented many financial and government reforms to further stabilize Rome's political situation and the system of imperial succession. (Hibbert.1989.62)