Carus

Caro emperador

Naghsh-e rostam, Irán, 2016-09-24, DD 10

Vexilloid of the Roman Empire

Vexilloid of the Roman Empire

Carus (Marcus Aurelius Carus Augustus; c. 224 – July or August 283) was Roman Emperor from 282 to 283. During his short reign, Carus fought against the Sasanian Empire and the Quadi, a Germanic tribe. His reign is often considered as part of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period marked by military anarchy, political instability, and economic decline in the Roman Empire.

Early Life and Career

Little is known about the early life of Carus. He was born around 224 AD in either Narbo or Lugdunum in Gaul. Carus rose through the military ranks and held several high-ranking positions within the empire, including the governorship of the province of Moesia. His military skill and administrative ability caught the attention of Emperor Probus, who elevated him to the position of praetorian prefect.

Rise to Power

In 282, Carus was proclaimed emperor by his troops, following the death of Probus. His accession was quickly recognized by the Senate. Carus elevated his sons, Carinus and Numerian, to the rank of Caesar, effectively making them his successors.

Military Campaigns

Carus immediately embarked on a military campaign against the Sasanian Empire, achieving significant victories and capturing the capital, Ctesiphon. These successes were short-lived, as Carus died under mysterious circumstances in 283, either by natural causes, such as a strike of lightning, or possibly murdered by his own troops.

Following his death, his sons succeeded him but faced challenges to their rule. Carinus was eventually defeated by Diocletian, who established a more stable government structure.

Legacy

Carus' reign, though brief, was marked by military success. However, his death led to a brief period of instability that was only resolved with the rise of Diocletian. Carus is often overshadowed by the subsequent reforms of Diocletian, which effectively ended the Crisis of the Third Century and laid the groundwork for the Tetrarchy.

See Also

• Crisis of the Third Century
• Roman Emperor
• Sasanian Empire
• Diocletian
• Tetrarchy

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