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Authentic 1816 year old Silver Roman Denarius from Caracalla. Caracalla, born Lucius Septimius Bassianus on April 4, 188 AD in Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France), was a Roman emperor from 198 to 217 AD. He was the son of Emperor Septimius Severus and Empress Julia Domna. Caracalla became co-emperor with his father at a young age and later ruled alone after his father's death in 211 AD.

Major Achievements

Edict of Caracalla

Antonine Constitution: In 212 AD, Caracalla issued the Edict of Caracalla, granting Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire, significantly expanding the citizen base.

Construction Projects

Baths of Caracalla: He commissioned the Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest and most impressive bathing complexes in ancient Rome, built between 212 and 216 AD.

Reputation and Legacy

Caracalla is often portrayed as a cruel and tyrannical ruler. His reign was marked by violence, including the murder of his brother Geta shortly after they became co-emperors. He was known for his military campaigns and efforts to expand the empire, but his rule also contributed to its decline.

Death

Caracalla was assassinated on April 8, 217 AD, near Carrhae, by a soldier during a campaign against the Parthian Empire. His death marked the end of his tumultuous reign and led to the rise of Macrinus as his successor.

Key Actions During Reign

Military Campaigns

Gothic Invasion: Decius faced significant challenges, including invasions by the Goths. He led military campaigns against them but ultimately died in battle at the Battle of Abritus in 251 AD.

Religious Policies

Decian Persecution: He is known for initiating the first organized persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. In 250 AD, he issued an edict requiring all citizens to perform sacrifices to the Roman gods, leading to the martyrdom of many Christians, including Pope Fabian.

Legacy

Decius's reign is marked by his attempts to restore traditional Roman values and strengthen the state. His persecution of Christians, while intended to reinforce public piety, ultimately backfired, strengthening the resolve of the Christian community. He remains a significant figure in Roman history for both his military and religious policies.,

Caracalla was reputed to be a pervert. His is alleged to have had an affair with his mother, Julia Domna and it is alledged that he became impotent and indulged his desires with men. He offered a king's ransom to anyone who could transform him into a woman and had sex with his horse..

Caracalla AR Denarius, 210 AD, 3.1 gr, 17mm , Concordia (Goddess of Agreement in Marriage & Society), Minted in Rome, XF+

Obverse

Bust of Caracalla, laurate, right.

Lettering: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG

Unabridged legend: Antoninus Pius Augustus

Translation: Antoninus (Pius) Emperor

Reverse

Concordia, draped, enthroned left, holding patera in extended right hand and double cornucopiae in left hand.

Lettering: PONTIF TR P XIII COS III

Unabridged legend: Pontifex, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Consul Tertium.

Translation: High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time, consul for the third time

These coins not only served as currency but also as a means of propaganda, reinforcing the connection between the emperor, agreement in society & abundance (cornucopia).

Guaranteed Authentic for Life! This denarius is from a hoard of silver coins, most of the coins were fused in a clump, that I personally cleaned. Bought these coins ~21 years ago from a NYC coin dealer at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando.

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