When and where was Caracalla born?
Lucius Septimius Bassianus entered the world on the 4th of April 188 in the city of Lugdunum, Gaul. This location is now known as Lyon, France.
Questions about Caracalla
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Caracalla die and who killed him?
On the 8th of April 217 Caracalla was stabbed by a soldier named Justin Martialis while visiting a temple of the moon god Sin. A Scythian bodyguard killed Martialis with his lance before two Praetorian tribunes rushed forward to complete the assassination.
What major edict did Caracalla issue in 212?
An edict issued in 212 granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants throughout the empire. The document excluded dediticii who had surrendered in war and freed slaves.
Why did Caracalla assassinate his brother Geta?
Caracalla ordered the execution of most of Geta's supporters after members of the Praetorian Guard loyal to Caracalla assassinated Geta on the 26th of December 211. An estimated 20,000 people were killed in the aftermath and his name was struck from papyrus records.
What currency reforms did Caracalla implement during his reign?
In 215 he introduced the antoninianus as a double denarius currency with 52 percent silver purity but an actual size ratio of 1.5 denarii. To fund military bonuses, Caracalla debased coinage soon after ascending to power causing the Roman denarius silver purity to drop from about 55 percent to roughly 51 percent by 217.