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It was only during the last several decades of 3rd century AD that Rome finally emerged from the specter of nearly constant crisis. By the reign of Augustus Probus and his chosen Praetorian Prefect, Marcus Aurelius Carus (224? – 283 AD), Rome had not only recovered, but was even experiencing a resurgence. Even so, recent history repeatedly proved that wearing purple was hazardous, and Carus might have experienced a nervous déjà vu when the Raetian and Noricum legions hailed him as Emperor. Naturally, Probus took exception, and sent some of his own legions to the scene; however, they decided to support Carus instead. By this time, Probus’ troops wearied of their leader’s strict discipline and laborious domestic projects. The Empire was not ready to shake off its bad habits, and Probus was murdered by his disaffected troops.
It is unclear whether Carus returned to Rome seeking Senate approval. More a military man than politician, Carus launched his imperial career aggressively, soon declaring his sons Carinus and Numerian as his Caesars. The Cari divided protection of the Empire according to territorial borders: Carinus ruled in the west, and Carus and Numerian focused eastward. The latter duo pacified barbarian tribes in Pannonia (notably the Quadi and the Sarmatians), and then prepared for an invasion into Persian lands.
Around this time (late 282 AD), the current aurelianianus was struck in the mint city of Cyzicus. Remarkably, this coin has survived in mint state condition, bearing an attractive strike and considerable silvering remaining upon its surfaces. The obverse radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Emperor Carus, along with the accompanying inscription IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG, appear similar to obverse designs of previous third-century Roman Emperors. Compared to the obverse, the verso is particularly noteworthy; Jupiter, mightiest among all Roman gods, presents the Emperor with a globe supporting the figure of Victory. The congratulatory scene inscribes the inscription CLEMENTIA TEMP.
Clementia was Rome’s deified equivalent of human clemency. Some references describe Clementia as one form of Genius, the divine presence in every individual. The worship of Clementia dated to dictator Julius Caesar, who exited the people of Rome by showing them his famed forbearance. The Romans were particularly excited since they expected not clemency but punishment, given the gruesome outcome the previous time a dictator (Sulla) rose to power. Clementia first appeared on Roman coinage with the legend CLEMENTIAE CASESARIS, commemorating Caesars’ death and the mercy he showed those who opposed him. A few emperors of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD issued coins featuring Clementia, all in the context of touting imperial clemency. During the great crisis of the 3rd century AD, several Roman rulers (including Carus’ three imperial predecessors) also promulgated Clementia on coinage, but with a new message invoking
tempus, or the times, the approach adopted on this coin. It is not clear that the current coin was meant to advertise Carus’ clemency. Alternatively, the inscription CLEMENTIA TEMP was meant as propaganda that the Empire had entered a more merciful period. Some references suggest yet another view, that Clementia also referred to the weather. Perhaps CLEMENTIA TEMP promoted favorable conditions for producing Rome’s crops. Considering the sociopolitical context and the numismatic imagery (Jupiter presenting the Emperor the figure Victory atop the globe), another possibility emerges. Perhaps the message promoted favorable conditions in a broader sense, indicating a hopeful future for Rome. Interestingly, a popular message on Rome’s coinage a century later was FEL TEMP REPARATIO, promoting the restoration of happy times.
In any case, Carus was certainly not renowned for his clemency. In fact, he rather expeditiously executed those he deemed responsible for Probus’ death, and he certainly showed Rome’s eastern enemies no mercy. He aggressively took the offensive advantage where he found the opportunity. Specifically for the Persian campaign, circumstances were quite favorable for Carus and his Roman army. The Sasannid Empire, waning since the death of King Shapur I, not only suffered from weak rule and civil war, but also pressure from enemies along their own eastern border. In an anecdote illustrating Carus’ pointed personality, he predicted that if his enemies resisted, he would show no mercy and render Sassanid lands as bare of trees as his own bald head.
The Persian campaign was a huge success, including the capture of Seleucia and the capital city of Ctesiphon with little opposition. Carus had accomplished what former Emperors Probus and even Aurelian had not (although to be fair, they were executed before they had a chance to execute their well-laid plans). Carus planned to continue on, marching deeper into Sasannid territory, with dreams of claiming even further glory and plunder for the Roman Empire.
Carus fell short of achieving Rome’s further glory. He mysterious died in 283 AD along the riverbanks of the Tigris. At the time, a violent Persian thunderstorm raged, and the official report stated the Emperor suffered a lightning strike. Although such an end befits the indomitable Carus, alternate theories cite treachery, disease, or complications from a battle wound.
Carus’ brief reign makes it difficult to accurately credit his role in Rome’s resurgence. Considering his military success and purported demise, it can be at least stated that he went out with a bang.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Divus Carus, Died AD 283, Aurelianianus (3.82 g), Cyzicus mint, 2nd officina, 2nd emission, December AD 282. NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG, Reverse: Emperor standing right, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, CLEMENTIA TEMP, B•//XXI, References: RIC V 118 var. (no pellet in mintmark); Pink VI/2, p. 53, ex J. Eric Engstrom Collection, ex Kovacs FPL 3 (1977), no. 144.