Carausius

Quick Facts: Who was Carausius?

Subject:

Carausius

Known for:

Usurper Emperor in Britain and Northern Gaul (286–293 AD) during the late Roman Empire.

Born:

300

Died:

293

Century / Era:

300s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius (born c. 3rd century AD - died c. 293 AD) was a military commander of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. He was a Menapian from Belgic Gaul, who usurped power in 286, during the Carausian Revolt, declaring himself emperor in Britain and northern Gaul (Imperium Britanniarum). He did this only 13 years after the Gallic Empire was ended in 273. He held power for seven years, fashioning the name "Emperor of the North" for himself, before being assassinated by his finance minister Allectus. Carausius was of humble origin, a Menapian who distinguished himself during Maximian's campaign against the Bagaudae rebels in northern Gaul in 286.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

This success, and his former occupation as a pilot, led to his appointment to command the Classis Britannica, a fleet based in the English Channel, with the responsibility of eliminating Frankish and Saxon pirates who had been raiding the coasts of Armorica and Belgica. He was suspected of allowing pirates to carry out raids and collect loot before attacking them, then keeping captured treasure for himself, and Maximian ordered his execution. In late 286 or early 287 Carausius learned of this sentence and responded by declaring himself Emperor in Britain and northern Gaul. His forces comprised not only his fleet, augmented by new ships he had built and the three legions stationed in Britain, but also a legion he had seized in Gaul, a number of foreign auxiliary units, a levy of Gaulish merchant ships, and barbarian mercenaries attracted by the prospect of booty. British historian and archaeologist Sheppard Frere wonders how Carausius was able to win support from the army when his command had been sea-based, and speculates that he had perhaps been involved in an unrecorded victory in Britain, connected with Diocletian's assumption of the title Britannicus Maximus in 285, and signs of destruction in Romano-British towns at this time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The campaign against the Bagaudae, however, was evidently land-based and may have been responsible for Carausius's popularity with the army. Equally, if the accusations of larceny are true, he could perhaps have afforded to buy their loyalty. Maximian prepared an invasion of Britain in 288 or 289 to oust him, but it failed. A panegyric delivered to Constantius Chlorus attributes this failure to bad weather, but notes that Carausius claimed a military victory. Eutropius says that hostilities were in vain thanks to Carausius's military skill, and peace was agreed.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 293: Passing & Historical Legacy — Carausius passed away on 293, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
2. 300: Birth of Carausius — Usurper Emperor in Britain and Northern Gaul (286–293 AD) during the late Roman Empire.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Carausius

True or False: “Carausius's initial coinage portrayed him as a rough and thuggish figure, contrasting with his later self-portrayal.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): His early issues depicted him in a 'rough and thuggish' manner, while subsequent coins showed him adopting a more trim and beneficent appearance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Carausius