Carinus

Montemartini - Carino 1030439

Carinus (Marcus Aurelius Carinus Augustus; c. 250 – 285 AD) was a Roman Emperor from 283 to 285. The elder son of Emperor Carus, Carinus' brief reign was marked by his attempts to maintain control over the Roman Empire during a period of internal turmoil, external threats, and the beginning of the empire's eventual decline. His rule is often considered as part of the Crisis of the Third Century, a time when the empire was beset by civil wars, foreign invasions, and economic instability.

Early Life

Little is known about Carinus' early life. He was born around 250 AD, the eldest son of Carus, who became emperor in 282. Upon his father's accession, Carinus was elevated to the rank of Caesar and later Augustus, making him a co-emperor with his younger brother Numerian. His rapid rise to power was typical of the era, which saw many emperors come and go in quick succession.

Reign

Following the death of Carus in 283, Carinus and Numerian were left as co-emperors. Carinus remained in the western part of the empire, while Numerian led a campaign in the east. During his reign, Carinus is reported to have led a life of excess and debauchery, which earned him a poor reputation among contemporary historians, though these accounts may be exaggerated.

In 285, after the death of Numerian under mysterious circumstances, Diocletian, a commander of the bodyguard, was proclaimed emperor by the troops. Carinus marched to meet Diocletian in battle but was defeated at the Battle of the Margus (285 AD). There are conflicting accounts of his death; some suggest he was killed in battle, while others claim he was assassinated by his own troops.

Legacy

Carinus is often depicted by ancient sources as a tyrant and a profligate, though the accuracy of these portrayals is debated by modern historians. His short reign is generally seen as ineffective in addressing the empire's problems, and he is overshadowed by his successor, Diocletian, who would go on to implement significant reforms that temporarily stabilized the empire.

The reign of Carinus represents a period of transition in the late Roman Empire, leading up to the Tetrarchy established by Diocletian, which fundamentally changed the administrative and military structures of the empire.

See Also

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