Caracalla AD 198-217. Laodicea ad Mare
Denarius AR

19 mm, 2,84 g

ANTONINVS [AVGVS]TVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / SAL GEN HVM, Salus standing left, holding sceptre entwined with serpent, extending r. hand to kneeling figure.

Very Fine

RIC IV 42c; RSC 558a.

Caracalla, also known as Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Augustus, was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 198 to 217. He became co-emperor with his brother, Geta, in AD 198, but their relationship soured, leading Caracalla to have Geta assassinated in AD 211. As emperor, Caracalla was known for his brutality and lavish spending. In AD 212, he issued the Antonine Constitution, granting Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire, but his rule was marked by oppressive taxation. Caracalla was a military-focused emperor, leading campaigns in various frontier regions. Although he achieved some military successes, his reign was marred by ongoing conflicts. In AD 217, Caracalla was assassinated during a campaign in the eastern provinces. He left a legacy of tyranny and violence, earning him a notorious reputation in Roman history.