Caracalla (AD c. 186–217)

Roman emperor from 211, son and successor of Septimius Severus. He accompanied his father to Britain (208–211) and when Severus died in 211 Caracalla became joint emperor with his younger brother Geta. With the support of the army he murdered Geta in 212 and became sole ruler of the empire. During his reign in 212, Roman citizenship was extended to all the free inhabitants of the empire. He was assassinated at the instigation of his praetorian prefect Macrinus who succeeded him.

Caracalla built on a grandiose scale, including the Thermae Caracallae (Baths of Caracalla) at Rome, and the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus. He campaigned in Germany and against the Parthians. He was nicknamed after the long Celtic cloak (caracalla) that he wore.