The history of the world might have been different had Carinus been able to keep it in his toga. Carinus, the elder son of Carus and brother of Numerian, was left in charge of the western provinces while Carinus and Numerian campaigned in the east against the Persians. Unfortunately for them, Carus died in Persia, and Numerian fell mysteriously ill in Asia Minor. Diocletian was then proclaimed emperor by the eastern army and the empire braced itself for yet another civil war. While Diocletian was making plans to attack Carinus from the East, in the north, Julian of Pannonia hired an army to rebel against Carinus and seize power for himself. Carinus and his army defeated Julian in late winter, AD 285 and made preparations to suppress the rebellion of Diocletian in the east. In the spring, Carinus' and Diocletian's armies clashed at the battle of Margum (now Dubravica, near Belgrade). It appeared that Carinus had the upper hand until he was killed by one of his own officers, whose wife he had seduced (according to the Historia Augusta). Diocletian assumed the throne and during his reign, completely changed the structure and administration of the empire, as well as the imperial coinage itself. The rest is history. Post anything you feel is relevant! Carinus, Augustus AD 283-285 Roman billon Antoninianus Lugdunum, AD 283 Obv: IMP C M AVR CARINVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust, right Rev: SAECVLI FELICITAS, emperor in military attire, standing right, holding transverse spear and globe, officina mark D (=4) in right field Refs: RIC 214; Cohen 120; RCV 12354; Hunter 37; Pink, p. 22, series 4.
This Tetradrachm for Numerian shows Carinus and Numerian shaking hands, it was minted while Numerian returned from his campaign in the east. The brothers should meet at Cyzicus, but it never happened. It's Emmett 4013-3a, a rare edition also struck for Carinus with the same reverse.
Nice coin. Interesting speculation about the influence Carinus' dalliance had on history. Here is the Carinus from my first Roman collection. Nothing special, but it was struck on a rather broad flan.
But that's what's so fun about it! But you have to admit it's not as juicy as 2 Samuel 11 when it comes to rulers sleeping with their officers' wives.
She was one of the nine wives of Carinus , and was neglected by her husband according to the Historia Augusta.
Great new coin @Roman Collector. I love this period in Roman history. Some sources claim that Diocletian was winning the battle but most of the sources say that Diocletian lost, or was at least in a worse position, when the Praetorian Prefect Aristobulus defected (possibly the one who killed Carinus?) which decided the battle in Diocletian's favor. Perhaps it was Aristobulus's wife that Carinus seduced? If so Carinus was not a very wise fella. Here is an early coin from Diocletian struck not long after the battle (donative for the legions involved in that battle?).
Nice Carinus and great story @Roman Collector ! WIFEY: RI Magnia Urbica 285 CE silvered Ant AE 23mm 3.4g cresent - Venus helmet scepter shield RIC 343 Rare PROBLEM GUY: RI Carinus 282-285 CE BI Potin Tet Alexandria Egypt 19mm Athena Seated holding Nike
Here's how good 'ol Edward Gibbon characterized the downfall of Arrius Aper, the praetorian prefect... "Yet, even in the transport of their rage and grief, the troops observed a regular proceeding, which proves how firmly discipline had been re-established by the martial successors of Gallienus. A general assembly of the army was appointed to be held at Chalcedon, whither Aper was transported in chains, as a prisoner and a criminal. A vacant tribunal was erected in the midst of the camp, and the generals and tribunes formed a great military Council. Election of the Emperor Diocletian, A.D. 284, Sept 17 They soon announced to the multitude that their choice had fallen on Diocletian, commander of the domestics or bodyguards, as the person the most capable of revenging and succeeding their beloved emperor. The future fortunes of the candidate depended on the chance or conduct of the present hour. Conscious that the station which he had filled exposed him to some suspicions, Diocletian ascended the tribunal, and, raising his eyes towards the Sun, made a solemn profession of his own innocence, in the presence of that all seeing Deity. (106) Then, assuming the tone of a sovereign and a judge, he commanded that Aper; should be brought in chains to the foot of the tribunal. "This man," said he, "is the murderer of Numerian;" and without giving him time to enter on a dangerous justification, drew his sword, and buried it in the breast of the unfortunate praefect. A charge supported by such decisive proof was admitted without contradiction, and the legions, with repeated acclamations, acknowledged the justice and authority of the emperor Diocletian." (107)
Carinus (283 - 285 A.D.) Æ(S) Antoninianus O: IMP CARINVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right. R: AETERNIT AVGG, Aeternitas standing left, holding phoenix on globe, lifting hem of robe with left hand. KAΓ in ex. Rome Mint. 284 - 285 A.D. 22 mm 3.8 g RIC 248 Reverse engraver's error, missing "I".
Nice one RC Carinus, Antoninianus Rome mint, 2nd officina, 5th emission, Nov 284 AD IMP CARINVS PF AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust of Carinus right IOVI VI - CTORI, Jupiter standing left, holding victory and sceptre. Eagle at feet. KAB at exergue 4,25 gr, 22 mm Ref : RCV #12348, Cohen #45, RIC vol V #257 Q
