Diocletian’s Price Edict

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In AD 301, the emperor Diocletian issued his famous Edict of Maximum Prices, which attempted to curb rampant inflation by stipulating maximum prices that could be charged for a huge array of raw materials, finished goods, and services available around the empire. The edict was introduced by a moralising and highly rhetorical preamble that imposed severe punishments for infringements. It was inscribed in a number of cities of the empire, and one of the best-preserved copies was inscribed in Latin on the facade of the Civil Basilica at Aphrodisias. Its entrance wall was an elaborate, engaged columnar facade closed by extensive marble paneling, and it was on this paneling that Diocletian’s Edict (along with his Currency Edict of the same year) was inscribed.

Found at: Civil Basilica