Carus, Roman Emperor
Marcus Aurelius Carus was one of the Roman emperors who stayed in power for only a short time (from 282 AD to 283 AD). Although it was a short-lived reign, Carus’s rule was notable for the many accomplishments that led to the restoration of the Roman Empire's former glory.
In this respect, Carus forged a direct line from earlier historical figures such as Aurelian and Probus in the sense that he sought to continue the work that they had begun previously. Along with his sons Carinus and Numerian, their combined rule would form a dynasty, albeit short-lived, that brought a measure of much needed stability into an otherwise beleaguered Roman Empire.
Carus was thought to have been born sometime in the year 230 AD although the exact date of his birth is unknown. Some accounts suppose that his name, from the date of his birth until his ascension to the throne of emperor, may have been Marcus Numerius Carus, with the appellation "Aurelius" added upon his coronation.
The place where he was born is again subject to contention, although it was mostly likely in Narbo (which is now modern-day Narbonne) in Gaul that he was born. He would later receive his education in Rome.
Carus served in a variety of military and civil positions, as well as becoming a senator, before he served in the position of prefect of the Praetorian Guard, a position bestowed upon him by the emperor Probus in 282 AD. The subsequent murder of Probus at Sirmium occasioned Carus’s rise to power after being proclaimed emperor by his fellow soldiers.
As was typical of the Roman political sphere in those days, Carus in spite of vigorously taking steps to avenge the death of Probus, was himself suspected of having a direct involvement on the assassination plot. This suspicion perhaps had a great deal to do with his subsequent decision not to return to Rome after his proclamation. He instead made known his emperorship to the Roman senate by means of an announcement.
After granting the honorary title of Caesar to both of his sons Carinus and Numerian, Carus went on an expedition directed against the Persians accompanied by Numerian, a move that had been previously considered by Probus. As for Carinus, he was left in charge of the western portion of the Roman Empire.
Carus made short work of defeating the Quadi and Sarmatians on the Danube, after which he proceeded to Thrace and Asia Minor. He next began to annex Mesopotamia, then marched on to Seleucia and Ctesiphon, before finally taking his forces past Tigris.
He later met the Sassanid Emperor Bahram II in a bloody encounter but Bahram was weakened and because of internal squabbles within his domain meant Carus had little difficulty in defeating him. This was a particularly honourable victory for the Romans after many previous defeats at the hands of the Sassanid forces and for his valiant efforts Carus was bestowed the title of Persicus Maximus.
Reports vary as to the cause of Carus's death, with some accounts attributing it to natural causes and others to disease. In any case, Carus was dead by late July or early August, of 283 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 22/07/2008
