The Edict on Maximum Prices was issued in 301 AD by Diocletian. The document denounces greed and sets maximum prices and wages for all important articles and services.
Piece of the edict in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin
One of four pieces of the edict (in Greek) re-used in the door frame of the medieval Church of St. John Chrysostomos in Geraki
Diocletian, nicknamed Jovius, was Roman emperor from 284 until his abdication in 305. He was born Diocles to a family of low status in the Roman province of Dalmatia. Diocles rose through the ranks of the military early in his career, eventually becoming a cavalry commander for the army of Emperor Carus. After the deaths of Carus and his son Numerian on a campaign in Persia, Diocles was proclaimed emperor by the troops, taking the name Diocletianus. The title was also claimed by Carus's surviving son, Carinus, but Diocletian defeated him in the Battle of the Margus.
Laureate head of Diocletian
Panorama of amphitheatre in Salona
Head of Carinus at the Centrale Montemartini
Aureus of Diocletian, minted c. 288