Roman Emperor Macrinus
Marcus Opellius Macrinus was a Roman emperor whose reign lasted for only fourteen months, from the year 217 to 218 AD.
Macrinus has the distinction of being the very first emperor to have been born in the African province of Mauretania. His birthplace has been specifically recorded at Caesaria, which is now known as Cherchell, Algeria. His date of birth is uncertain although most historical records have placed it at around 165 AD.
He was from a decidedly middle-class family belonging to the equestrian sector, although he was fortunate enough to have received a good education from a very early age. It was this exposure to higher learning that would allow Macrinus to transcend his family background and attain a lofty position within the Roman ruling class.
Marcus Opellius Macrinus’ entry into public office began inconspicuously enough as a lawyer, where he quickly made a name for himself for his skill and prudence. His reputation grew gradually until he came to the attention of the then emperor, Lucius Septimius Severus. The emperor was sufficiently impressed with the young man's capability and under his sponsorship Macrinus attained the lofty position of bureaucrat.
After the reign of Severus, Caracalla came into power and this new ruler was equally impressed with Macrinus' performance. He in turn granted Macrinus the position of prefect of the Praetorian Guard, which at that time was the highest position which a member of the equestrian class could hope to attain. This was indeed an enviable position for someone such as Macrinus, in that the prefect was in command of all the armed forces second only to the emperor and at the same time wholly responsible for the Praetorian cohorts.
In addition, the prefect practically served as the emperor's sole bodyguards and was in fact the only military force with any actual power that was allowed within the Roman city limits. That Marcus Opellius Macrinus was appointed to this very crucial position was sufficient indication of the emperor's utmost trust and confidence in his skills and loyalty.
All this would change however when a short time afterwards, rumours began to circulate that Marcus Opellius Macrinus, perhaps driven by intense personal ambition, in fact had his own designs on the throne.
These rumours were fuelled largely by a prophecy that decreed that Macrinus would overthrow and subsequently replace the present emperor. Caracalla had over the years built up a reputation for extreme harshness in dealing with his enemies, political or otherwise, and Macrinus naturally feared for his life.
His fears may not have been entirely unfounded for Caracalla at this time had already begun the process of dismantling Macrinus' staff. Nevertheless, when the emperor visited the eastern provinces in preparation for a campaign against the Parthian Empire, Macrinus was one of the men who accompanied him on this trip. During a visit to the temple of Luna near the area where the battle of Carrhae took place, Caracalla was murdered and upon the party's return to Rome, Marcus Opellius Macrinus had himself declared as the new emperor. He would later meet his death at the hands of his own soldiers in June 218 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 15/05/2008
