Marcus Aurelius Carus Roman Emperor in 282-283 Date of Birth: 01.01.0224 Country: Angola

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Accession to the Throne
3. Military Victories
4. Persian Campaign and Triumph
5. Tragic End
6. Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Born in Dalmatia, Marcus Aurelius Carus rose through the ranks of the Roman army. He was appointed prefect of the Praetorian Guard by Emperor Probus, a testament to his military prowess and administrative skills.

Accession to the Throne

In the summer of 282, discontented soldiers urged Carus to seize power. Probus was assassinated, and Carus, despite his advanced age, became emperor. He swiftly proclaimed his sons, Carinus and Numerianus, as Caesars.

Military Victories

Carus proved to be an energetic and capable ruler. He enforced strict discipline within the army and ruthlessly punished those responsible for Probus's death. Together with his son Numerianus, Carus set out to the East in early 283 to continue the war against the Persians.

Persian Campaign and Triumph

The Roman army encountered the Persian forces on the Armenian-Mesopotamian border and swiftly defeated them. Carus crossed the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, captured Seleucia and the Persian capital, Ctesiphon.

Tragic End

During a violent thunderstorm in the camp beyond the Tigris, Carus met an untimely end when he was struck by lightning in July or August 283. His sons were proclaimed emperors by the Senate.

Legacy

The biography of Carus was written by the historian Vopiscus. However, ancient accounts of his reign are often inconsistent and contradictory, leaving some aspects of his life and rule shrouded in mystery.