Carinus: A Biography

Carinus, also known as Marcus Aurelius Carinus, was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 283 to 285 AD. Despite his short reign, Carinus left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire, with many secrets and mysteries surrounding his life and rule.

In this article, we will delve into the life of Carinus and explore some of the lesser-known facts about this enigmatic figure. From his rise to power to his tumultuous relationship with his co-emperor, Diocletian, we will uncover the secrets that have long been shrouded in mystery.

Join us on a journey through history as we uncover the hidden truths behind Carinus' reign and gain a better understanding of this often overlooked emperor. From his military campaigns to his scandalous personal life, there is much to learn about the complexities of Carinus and the impact he had on the Roman Empire.

Carus was the father of Carinus and co-emperor with him before his death in 283 AD. He is known for his military campaigns in the East and his successful invasion of Persia.

Numerian was the brother of Carinus and also served as co-emperor with him. He was known for his scholarly pursuits and interest in philosophy, which set him apart from his more military-minded brother.

Diocletian was a Roman emperor who succeeded Carinus after his assassination in 285 AD. He is known for his administrative reforms and establishment of the Tetrarchy, a system of government with two senior emperors and two junior emperors.

Carinus was born in the year 250 AD to Emperor Carus and his wife, Magnia Urbica. He grew up in a time of political turmoil as the Roman Empire faced threats from both internal rebellions and external invasions.When his father became emperor in 282 AD, Carinus was appointed as Caesar, putting him in line to eventually become co-emperor alongside his brother, Numerian.

After the sudden death of their father in 283 AD, Numerian became the new emperor. Carinus was left in charge of the western provinces, but tensions between the two brothers soon escalated into a full-blown civil war.In 285 AD, Carinus defeated Numerian in battle and declared himself the sole emperor of Rome, ruling over the western half of the empire.

As emperor, Carinus focused on military campaigns to expand Roman territory and secure the borders against invading tribes. He was known for his ruthless tactics in dealing with enemies, both foreign and domestic.Despite his military successes, Carinus faced growing discontent among the Roman people, who were unhappy with his oppressive rule and extravagant lifestyle.

In 285 AD, a group of disgruntled officers conspired to assassinate Carinus during a military campaign in Gaul. The plot was discovered before it could be carried out, but it planted seeds of doubt and fear in Carinus's mind.Paranoid and distrustful, Carinus became increasingly isolated, relying on a small circle of loyal supporters to protect him from potential threats.

In 285 AD, while preparing for a campaign against the Persians, Carinus was assassinated by a tribune named Aristobulus. The exact motives behind the assassination remain unclear, but some historians believe that it was a result of growing discontent within the Roman military.With Carinus's death, the Roman Empire was plunged into a period of uncertainty and chaos as rival factions vied for power and control over the imperial throne.