Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;dougsmit, post: 5133970, member: 19463&quot;]Compared to some Parthians and Byzantines (Seleucids, medieval Popes???), Caracalla was a nice guy.&nbsp; He only killed one brother (plus an ex wife and a few hundred Alexandrians and who knows.....).&nbsp; I have never subscribed to the theory that I had to admire the people who made the coins I collect.&nbsp; For that matter, I listen to music, watch movies and follow sports without wanting to be like their creators or buying the products some of them endorse.&nbsp; Caracalla was a messed up kid who fit right in with his crowd.&nbsp; Do I pity a guy who gets killed while relieving himself behind a bush?&nbsp; Do I consider Justin Martialis a hero?&nbsp; No to both.&nbsp; Do I think it excessively convenient that the name of the soldier who stabbed Caracalla included Just and Mars?&nbsp; Yup.&nbsp; If I were writing historical fiction, I would have a scene where a bunch of guys drew lots to see who would save Rome by doing the deed. The Roman form of selecting leaders was not as upright as most of us expect today and I am glad we do things a bit differently in the time I live.&nbsp; It does, however make the study of history more interesting than what we would have if every one of them died in bed aged over 100.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in