Macrinus
Roman Emperor who reigned from 217 to 218 CE, known for his non-senatorial background.
Quick Facts: Who was Macrinus?
- Subject:
- Macrinus
- Known for:
- Roman Emperor who reigned from 217 to 218 CE, known for his non-senatorial background.
- Born:
- 164
- Died:
- 218
- Century / Era:
- 164s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Marcus Opellius Macrinus (; c. 165 – June 218) was a Roman emperor who reigned from April 217 to June 218, jointly with his young son Diadumenianus. Born in Caesarea (now called Cherchell, in modern Algeria), in the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis to an equestrian family of Berber origins, he became the first emperor who did not hail from the senatorial class and also the first emperor who never visited Rome during his reign. Before becoming emperor, Macrinus served under Emperor Caracalla as a praetorian prefect and dealt with Rome's civil affairs. He later conspired against Caracalla and had him murdered in a bid to protect his own life and succeeded Caracalla as emperor. Macrinus was proclaimed emperor of Rome by 11 April 217 while in the eastern provinces of the empire and was subsequently confirmed as such by the Senate; however, for the duration of his reign, he never had the opportunity to return to Rome.
Career & Major Achievements
His predecessor's policies had left Rome's coffers empty and the empire at war with several kingdoms, including Parthia, Armenia, and Dacia. As emperor, Macrinus first attempted to enact reform to restore economic and diplomatic stability in Rome. While Macrinus' diplomatic actions brought about peace with each of the individual kingdoms, the additional monetary costs and subsequent fiscal reforms generated unrest in the Roman military. Caracalla's aunt, Julia Maesa, took advantage of the unrest and instigated a rebellion to have her fourteen-year-old grandson, Elagabalus, recognized as emperor. Macrinus was overthrown at the Battle of Antioch on 8 June 218 and Elagabalus proclaimed himself emperor with support from the rebelling Roman legions.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Macrinus fled the battlefield and tried to reach Rome, but was captured in Chalcedon and later executed in Cappadocia. He sent his son to the care of Artabanus IV of Parthia, but Diadumenian was also captured before he could reach his destination and executed. After Macrinus' death, the Senate declared him and his son enemies of Rome and had their names struck from the records and their images destroyed, a procedure known as damnatio memoriae. Macrinus was born in Caesarea (modern Cherchell, Algeria) in the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis to an equestrian family of Berber origins. According to David Potter, his family traced its origins to the Berber tribes of the region and his pierced ear was an indication of his Berber heritage.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Macrinus
True or False: “Did Macrinus ever return to Rome while reigning as emperor?”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Macrinus was proclaimed emperor in the eastern provinces and never had the opportunity to return to Rome for the duration of his reign.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Gallienus — Contemporary (Born in 218) (218): Roman Emperor who ruled during the tumultuous Crisis of the Third Century.
- Appian — Contemporary figure (Died in 165) (165): Greco-Roman historian known for his comprehensive accounts of the late Republic.
- Julia Domna — Contemporary figure (Born in 165) (165): Influential Roman Empress, wife of Septimius Severus, and founder of the Severan line.
- Antoninus Pius — Contemporary figure (Died in 161) (161): Fourth of the Five Good Emperors, known for a long period of peace and stable administration.
- Commodus — Contemporary figure (Born in 161) (161): Roman Emperor whose reign marked the perceived end of the Pax Romana.
- Guan Yu — Contemporary figure (Born in 160) (160): Iconic general and folk hero of the late Eastern Han Dynasty.
- Marcion of Sinope — Contemporary figure (Died in 160) (160): Pioneering early Christian theologian whose doctrines formed the basis of Marcionism.
- 164 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 164
- 218 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 218
Frequently Asked Questions about Macrinus
Who was Macrinus and what are their primary contributions?
Roman Emperor who reigned from 217 to 218 CE, known for his non-senatorial background. Origins & Early Life: Marcus Opellius Macrinus (; c. 165 – June 218) was a Roman emperor who reigned from April 217 to June 218, jointly with his young son Diadumenianus. Born in Caesarea (now called Cherchell, in modern Algeria), in the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis to an equestrian family of Berber origins, he became the first emperor who did not hail from the senatorial class and also the first emperor who never visited Rome during his reign. Before becoming emperor, Macrinus served under Emperor Caracalla as a praetorian prefect and dealt with Rome's civil affairs. He later conspired against Caracalla and had him murdered in a bid to protect his own life and succeeded Caracalla as emperor. Macrinus was proclaimed emperor of Rome by 11 April 217 while in the eastern provinces of the empire and was subsequently confirmed as such by the Senate; however, for the duration of his reign, he never had the opportunity to return to Rome.
When was Macrinus born and during which historical era did they live?
Macrinus was born on 164 and passed away on 218. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 164 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Macrinus?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia