Caracalla AD 198-217. Rome
Denarius AR

18 mm, 2,42 g

ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head to right / P M TR P XV COS III P P, Hercules standing to left, holding branch, club and lion skin.

Nearly Extremely Fine

RIC IV 192; BMCRE 35; RSC 196.

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.