125- The Best Defence is a Good Defence

Over the course of his reign Diocletian overhauled the government, transforming it into a centralized bureaucracy run by career civil servants. 

Rome's economy was in disarray when Diocletian came to power and he initiated major overhauls to get the system running again. 

The Marian reforms were reforms of the ancient Roman army implemented in 107 BC by the statesman Gaius Marius, for whom they were later named. The reforms originated as a reaction to the military and logistical stagnation of the Roman Republic in the late 2nd century BC. While th ...  Show more

After years of muddling along, Parliament created a more professional army. They finally defeated King Charles at Nasbay in June 1645.   

To celebrate his new reform program, Prime Minster Stolypin handed out commemorative neckties.  Sponsor: harrys.com/revolutions 

Reader Adviser Ralph Thompson follows the history of the army from its inception as a standing force after the overthrow of the English republic through its increasing professionalisation during the War of the Spanish Succession.