Carinus AD 283-285 Bronze Antoninianus Rome

Carinus AD 283-285 Bronze Antoninianus

Radiate bust right / Priestly emblems

Rome

RCV12296; 22mm, 3.78g

Carinus was the eldest son of Carus. He was in his early thirties when he was appointed Caesar, along with his younger brother Numerian, shortly after Carus was appointed emperor. Carus obviously had great confidence in Carinus’ abilities as he left in charge in Rome and in the western provinces when he and Numerian departed to campaign in the east. Both died rather mysteriously whilst on campaign. It is likely the praetorian prefect Arrius Aper arranged their murders.
The general Diocletian was proclaimed emperor by the eastern armies after which he had Arrius Aper executed. Meanwhile Carinus had been campaigning in the west. Diocletian moved west to confront Carinus. At the same time Julian, the governor of Venetia, led a rebellion in Pannonia. Carinus moved against him and defeated him in a battle at the beginning of AD 285. Carinus then marched to challenge his more serious rival Diocletian. In a battle at Margum, near Belgrade, Carinus nearly defeated Diocletian but instead he was murdered by one of his own officers. This was the result of an affair Carinus had had with this officers’ wife.