Carus AD 282-283 Bronze Antoninianus Ticinum

Carus AD 282-283 Bronze Antoninianus

Radiate bust right / Spes advancing left with flower, lifting skirt

Ticinum

RCV12180; 23mm, 3.20g

Carus was a native of Southern Gaul. He was appointed as a praetorian prefect by Probus in AD 276. In the autumn of AD 282 he was mustering troops in Raetia for Probus’ Persian campaign. When Probus was murdered Carus was proclaimed emperor by his troops and advised the Senate accordingly. His son Carinus was also appointed Caesar as was his younger son Numerian shortly afterwards.
After a successful campaign against the Sarmatians and Quadi on the Danube Carus decided to renew the campaign against the Sasanids. When Carus marched east in company with Numerian, Carinus and Numerian were both elevated to Augustus. This was only the second time that 3 emperors ruled jointly. Leaving Carinus in Rome the campaign against the Sasanids was initially successful and resulted in the capture of the Sasanids capital Ctesiphon.
Just after his triumph Carus was found dead in his tent. This was attributed to a lightning strike however it is more likely that it was the result of treachery possibly on the part of his praetorian prefect Arrius Aper. This man was the father of Numerian’s wife.