The life of Carus
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Early Life (c.222-282)
Carus was born around the year 222 in Narbo, Gallia Narbonensis which is located in modern day southern France. At some point in his youth he moved to Rome to be educated there, indicting his family was of some status or wealth. He served as a senator prior and presumably some military roles before being appointed as Praetorian Prefect in 282 by Emperor Probus.
Carus accompanied Probus on his campaign in the East of the Roman Empire. However before any real progress had been made, Carus was possibly declared Emperor by the troops, who subsequently murdered Probus, ending his reign. It is not known how much involvement, if any, Carus had in this plot. Whether reluctantly or not, Carus assumed the position of Roman Emperor.
Carus accompanied Probus on his campaign in the East of the Roman Empire. However before any real progress had been made, Carus was possibly declared Emperor by the troops, who subsequently murdered Probus, ending his reign. It is not known how much involvement, if any, Carus had in this plot. Whether reluctantly or not, Carus assumed the position of Roman Emperor.
Reign (282-283)
Carus immediately granted his sons, Carinus and Numerian, the title of Caesar, effectively making them junior emperors. It is likely Carus was trying to make the foundations of a dynasty that would rule for some time. His sons had limited power and responsibility while acting as Caesars, and would only come to true power in the event of Carus' death or if they were elevated to co-Emperor. Carinus was charged with maintaining order in the West while Numerian accompanied Carus on their campaign in the East, that had been started by Probus. It is unknown what the result of this campaign was as no sources detail any major events taking place.
Shortly after Carus waged war against the tribes of the Danube, who had plagued the Roman Empire for decades. Carus succeeding in defeating the Quadi and Sarmatians. Carus and Numerian pressed on beyond the river Tigris deep into Sassanid territory. The Sassanid's were currently in the process of waging a civil war and could not stop the invading Romans, even the capital of Ctesiphon fell. Carus succeeding in conquering vast amounts of territory, striking a heavy blow against their long time enemies and in the process avenging the many defeats the Roman's had suffered at the hands of the Sassanids.
Shortly after Carus waged war against the tribes of the Danube, who had plagued the Roman Empire for decades. Carus succeeding in defeating the Quadi and Sarmatians. Carus and Numerian pressed on beyond the river Tigris deep into Sassanid territory. The Sassanid's were currently in the process of waging a civil war and could not stop the invading Romans, even the capital of Ctesiphon fell. Carus succeeding in conquering vast amounts of territory, striking a heavy blow against their long time enemies and in the process avenging the many defeats the Roman's had suffered at the hands of the Sassanids.
Death & Legacy (283)
Fortunately for the Sassanids, Carus' campaign came to an abrupt end when he unexpectedly died during a storm. There are many reasons put forward for his death. Some sources claim he was struck by lightning during the storm, however this does seem somewhat unlikely. Other sources claim he died from a wound received while fighting the Persians or that one of his own soldiers murdered him under the orders of Lucius Flavius Aper, the Praetorian Prefect. The real cause of Carus' death may never be known for sure.
The transition of power from Carus to his sons, Numerian and Carinus, was smooth and without hindrance from any opposing forces. This suggests that perhaps Carus did indeed die from natural causes, and no plot to kill him ever existed.
The transition of power from Carus to his sons, Numerian and Carinus, was smooth and without hindrance from any opposing forces. This suggests that perhaps Carus did indeed die from natural causes, and no plot to kill him ever existed.
Trivia
- Carus gained the title Germanicus Maximus after his defeat of the Quadi and Sarmatians on the Danube.
- After crushing the Sassanids beyond the Tigris, Carus earned himself the title of Persicus Maximus.