Caracalla - The Cruel Emperor #22 Roman History Documentary Series
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On this channel we focus on Roman History and right now we're doing a video on every Roman Emperor, if you're interested in that subscribe or watch the playlist here:
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Narration by: James O'Neil
Intro: 0:00
Early Life - Chapter I: 0:24
Fraternal Rivalry - Chapter II: 03:21
Masterworks: 05:47
Reconciliation - Chapter III: 09:06
Constitutio Antininiana - Chapter IV: 11:18
In The East - Chapter V: 13:23
Final Thoughts - Prologue: 20:02
Music
The Journey by Infraction
Dramatic Piano by Infraction
Relaxing Roman Music - Aetas Romana
Waiting by INOSSI
#Emperorsofrome #Romanemperors #SPQR #Romanhistory
Isn't the final chapter supposed to be titled "Epilogue", and not "Prologue"?
Yes... my fail
@@TheSPQRHistorian Shit happens. Then ya wipe :P
@@TheSPQRHistorian Your work is exquisite. Trivial errors shouldn't matter at all!
@@emathionsonofeos.1547 The mark of a sensible expert is to admit one's mistakes. There's no shame in admitting one. Signalling a mistake shouldn't be seen as an attack. Nobody's perfect, and the worst error is to pretend one doesn't make any. The remark was perfectly justified, and SPQR was humble enough to admit it. Which goes to show he's an excellent educator.
@@TheSPQRHistorian my favourite emperor 2nd is caligula and 3rd is tiberius and than claudius
His bust is a masterpiece, perfectly captures his personality
Yeah agree
Lmao ur totally right, a striking resemblance
It's all in the eye of the beholder, I don't think Geta would have thought so
Or that's just how he looked.
Yea, with some of the busts you can see almost exactly what they would have looked like in real life. Like Pompey, I would recognise him immediately lol. Such a lifelike bust. Sulla too. And Crassus.
Alexandrians: "You're a funny guy Caracalla" Caracalla: "Funny how?"
Caracalla Was American 🇺🇸
Its tragically ironic that Septimius Severus criticised Marcus Aurelius for his management over the economy and in raising of Commodus, but ultimately falling to those same mistakes he did.
And Vespasian -- one of the most clear sighted, except where his kids were concerned. Titus was a surprise to everyone, even Tacitus admits he grew up
I think Marcus Aurelius was in a really tough spot, with a pandemic, or set of pandemics, supposedly killing off quite a bit of manpower, and with invasion and expensive, constant war on the Danube frontiers (for something like 14 years - most of his reign)...
Could it be it takes one to know one? Lol.
👍😂 like he was somebody to talk, another bad Dad
@@johnmiller8975 Oh my goodness...
Caracalla because of his cloak, Caligula because of his sandals… I really must stop calling my son slipper
All things evil considered, Nero is the most epic name ever.
Caracalla, like his father, is a fascinating character. In his personal life, he was a monster of iniquity on the level of Commodus and inherited the Empire at its greatest relative strength to crumbling Parthia. Yet, he made some of the most lasting contributions to Roman society with the Antonine Constitution, the construction of the Baths that bear his name, and the introduction of new debased currency. It is quite ironic that his Edict granting citizenship to all free men in the Empire gave them all the praenomen and gens of "Marcus Aurelius", who was so unlike Caracalla. Many of the later emperors of the Crisis period who rose up through the army were named "Marcus Aurelius" because their peasant parents had been given the name under the Edict. Even Charlemagne, nearly 550 years later, claimed his right to rule as Roman Emperor was due being born within the Roman realm as a free man and thus being a citizen based on Caracalla's edict.
Never knew that Charlemane used that to gain legitimacy for his claim. That's hella interesting. Especially since Western Rome had long since fallen by that point.
I mean because the edict was never cancelled and fanbois will be fanbois jaja
"iniquity"? Stop using SJW twisted word. Just say tyranny.
Charlemagne was not Roman and he never established so called roman empire they were not romans nor empire
@@messianic_scam To be fair, I doubt anyone seriously considers the HRE as the Roman Empire (especially while the Eastern Romans still stood)
It really was a coin toss whether an Emperor would actually be competent or not.
👍
_The boy certainly lived up to my expectations, and then some._
How do you rank your son?
This series on the Roman Emperors is an admirable feat, especially having it done well like this. When Caracalla declared a "Damnatio Memoria" on Geta, certain Roman provinces had coins that were previously minted with both heads of Caracalla and Geta facing each other on them. These coins are found with the face of Geta removed, as if it was scooped right out. I suspect that these were mainly provinces that Caracalla had been campaigning through. The Imperial coinage was not erased, and in fact, there are large amounts of coins of Geta that still survive. A small correction: the "EID MAR" IIdes of March) coin of Brutus is an aureus not a denarius, there were however denari of the same type minted. A denarius is silver, an aureus is gold. I hope that Julia Domna (and the other Julia's) gets an episode, she was an amazing person.
I think the word you want is defaced not erased - since you are being pedantic I'm sure you won't mind ;)
Yes, I'd love to have an episode on Julia Domna! She was something of a new Maecenas with her patronage of authors like "Honey-tongued" Aelian and Philostratus. Those 2 are authors I actually rather enjoy, and Julia's role in administration and patron of literature goes very overlooked
I love people like you
@@HerculesMays _Not to mention drop dead gorgeous! Hubba hubba!_
@@septimiusseverus343 Ohhh yes, a beautiful lady with a good mind to go with it? I can see why you took her to wife, Severus; you got gooooood taste.
Caracalla is awarded the glorious title of Prickess Magnus!
Favorite emperor 💯
Geta: "Father really made a wise decision when he decided to split the empire for both of us, didn't he, brother?" Caracalla: "Yeah. People even say our fraternal bond is as strong as Caligula and Drusilla's one...but removing the incestous part, of course" Geta: "HAHAHAHAHA. Yeah. Anyway, I think you and I are so close and compenetrated, we can be even considered as a "single being", like Caligula and Drusilla, don't you think, brother?" Caracalla: "That's right, Geta. I am you and you are me...and this is a knife..." Geta: "What...?" *Gets stabbed multiple times while "We Are One" starts playing*
Is this a reference?
And when you think Caligula and Nero's cruelty was bad oh boy. Caracalla had to be the most bloodthirsty and psychotic Roman emperor there was.
Add Commodus to that list, and you have the final four of evil.
Caracalla could have been easily as great as his father but he literally took all the wrong decisions possible. He could have finished the job against Caledonians but decided not to. He could have secured Armenia for the empire but decided not to. He could have secured long-lasting peace with Parthia but decided not to Et Cetera.
he busy became foremaster from bath of caracalla!
Because it seems he was a selfish man that happened to have the honor to hold power
How many Times the Emperors chose the worst person to follow in having their son take over. So many were just blind.
Eh to be fair the campaign in Caledonia was basically the Roman equivalent of the Vietnam War, fuck Caracalla for everything else he did but getting out of Caledonia was certainly one of his better decisions (although it’s probably just because he’s a spoiled brat who didn’t want to stay in a military camp)
He should have split the empire with his brother
just 40k followers? ONE OF THE BEST CHANNEL'S!!!
this will be an interesting one don't know much about Caracalla
One of my favorites, and hardly enough info on the man available online. I appreciate this.
Nero, Commodus, Caligula, and Caracalla, were the four horsemen of the Roman Apocalypse.
Pretty sure this story is going to serve as the premise for the Gladiator sequel, if reports are to be believed!
His worst mistake was the edict, by granting all inhabitants citizenship one of the main reasons to join the Roman army was removed, the auxiliaries were the majority of the Roman army and among it's most effective soldiers, with this recruitment problems started
Hey geta - Yes caracalla - close your eyes bro - OK bro - what do you see bro - nothing bro - it's because I stabbed you bro, you're dying - bro...
*Stabbed in the face* “I cant believe you’ve done this”
The bust of Caracalla really shows a very rough hewn man.
The quality of video is impressive, you definitely deserve more subscribers ;)
Wonderful video! ⚔
I was hoping you're going to cover Battle of Nisibis at the end after Caracalla's death. Informative as always!
Just noticed this video and that your vids have (relatively) few views. Please don't stop. The internet NEEDS THIS! Soon you will get more exposure and make 5 figure views! Keep the good work!
Well done .
@@Endgame707 His father was of Punic ancestry and his mother was of Arab ancestry .
great stuff thanks
It almost moves me to tears thinking about what he did to the people of Alexandria and how exactly he did it. So heartlessly cruel…
It's almost taunting and sadistic.
Another Emperor who takes his nickname after a piece clothing/foot wear, Caligula (little boots) and Caracalla (Cloak wearer)
Very interesting video. Got here from a random recommendation, might just have to check out more, I love Roman history.
I did a book about the Severan Dyansty , and I have a few notes I hope they don't upset you: first Herodian of Syria or of Antioch is technically a Syrian but wrote in Greek , maybe ethnically he is a Greek or from a Hellenized family , but that does not mean he is not a Syrian as Syria contain a large group of Greeks and Greeks are part of the wider Syrian nationality , it is important because Herodian him self born in the region of Syria which the Severan Dynasty mostly came from (just like Lucian of Samsota he is a Syrian and his native tongue is Aramaic yet many neo- historians considered him a Greek because he wrote in Greek) and this is sad truly with all do respect to our great Greek friends " I speak Greek myself so I have no hard feeling towards them and I lean towards Greek culture". the 2nd note is about Julia Domna she officially ruled the Empire while Caracalla spent his time with his fellow soldiers , most of the laws "he" initiated done by his mother's name , I understand the scoop of this videos is about the male King but in the case of Severan Dynasty the mothers ruled over , and wheeled much of the power , the Severan Dynasty was a golden era for the Syrians in general because much of the government officials appointed from Syria or the Levant and upgrade the region for economic political and militarily reasons , but the empire sadly collapsed after Alxian's death (Alexander Severus but he preferred his native Aramaic name Alexian) , and I believe Alexian reign was the best if we exempt Septimius certainly. otherwise your series it's absolutely fabulous and each Emperor deserve much more and you are doing a fantastic summary keep it going I love what are you doing , you are not just a YT channel you are source we can teach and take information from.
A question from your syrian fellow: was philip the arab a real arab? Or he was syriac/ aramic speaking person?
@@ahviper5871 As far I know his father was Latin and his mother is a native Aramean from Shahba in Swaida, the family toke the Roman citizenship from Caracalla in 212 by the "Edict of Caracalla", but the province Philip the Arab born was called Arabia Petraea and from the province name he toke his nickname, I myself from Swaida.
@@alexelshami8723 thank you so much for replying with such detailed answer, latakian here,you are a writer or a scholar ?
@@alexelshami8723 hi,what Is the name of your book?do you have facebook?i think Also that Alexander severus was good in the sassanid war, and he could had vassalized sassanid empire..what do you think about the campaign of 233?
Philip was an ethnic Arab , This was mentioned by The historian Glen Bowersock (historian of ancient Greece, Rome and the Near East, and former Chairman of Harvard’s classics department) The Homsi priestly family Emesene آل شمس غرام,(the Sampsigeramides), which Princess Julia came from , was also Arab. The city of Homs was the stronghold of the Arabs in the Levant. Even before Islam
I completely comprehend your teaching of history and I have ADHD. Great video teacher
9:35 Damn he went full Palpatine "The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed. But my resolve has never been stronger!" Also-real life Red Wedding at the end holy shit.
Wonder how Severus had the "brilliant" idea to make his two sons (one of them an absolute a*shole) share the Empire. He definitely didn't take example of what happened when Tiberius previously did the same to Caligula and Gemellus
Pride maybe
@@joeywheelerii9136 We can never be certain but maybe he was trying to prevent his sons from killing each other for the throne. I did not work though.
Do you guys have kids ? Severus was a father beside being emperor and obviously loved his 2 sons. He probably wanted the best position for both of Geta&Cara and had hope like any father could have for their children. Also, i think he knew that ruling the whole empire with co-emperors was necessary (and he was right).
@@seifer64 But he should have considered the fact almost all the previous attempts to share the empire ended with one of the co-heirs' death. He should have given the entire empire to the son he considered most capable and make the other one a possible substitute. I know it can sounds cruel, but absolute power corrupts everyone, no matter if they are your kids or not
@@seifer64 The Romans had a perfect "out" It was called adoption -- and no, co-emperors was not right. The only time it worked was with Aurelius Julius failed, Augustus failed, Caligula failed, Nero failed, Titus (maybe) failed, Caracalla failed, The Tetrarchy super failed, and the Angelids doomed the Empire
Probably the most well educated comment section on KZhead. I love it!
1 historian described him as neither lazy nor stupid but that was in comparison to Commodus.
Can’t wait for Gallienus
Only here because Gladiator 2 brought me here as he is the main villain.
@@TheGnome21the turks only arrived at Anatolya in the 9th century.
the echos to Commodus are striking, and the results quite similar.
I recognize the narrator voice, did he voice some HistoryMarche videos? (Great video, also.)
Well it worked. I've never heard of Geta.
He has a crazy look
He's one of my favourite tho That mix pf arogance , cruelty and obsession over Alexander the great that came from being spoiled by rich Emperor daddy is sth unique in him
Caracella sounds like a Great Guy..
A cruel tyrant who would drop the guard of those he slain before the act... only to be cut down in the same fashion.
The Baths of Caracalla were/are amazing though. Silver linings and all that...
That sculptured bust shows him to be the thug he was. Can't imagine how awful the scene was in which he killed his own brother in front of their mother! What a bloke!
I genuinely wonder why he let that bust be made. Like it makes him look like he's mad dogging any, and everybody looking at it.
Y'all can keep your tone machines. I would never want to go live in these absolutely brutal and heartless times. It's amazing humanity ever got past the tyranny of Rome.
That something so consequential as the Constitutio Antoniniana was issued by Caracalla, of all people, raises some important questions about him. Cassius Dio did his best to attribute the edict to base motives, and either minimized its significance, or genuinely believed it to be less significant than it might appear. Perhaps it wasn't such a big step after all, considering how integrated the Empire already was by that point. But if not a major innovation, it indicates a far deeper understanding of his empire than would be expected of the one-dimensional personification of grandiosity and wrath that Caracalla was depicted as. He at least had to sign off on it, even if his jurists did all the work.
My all time favorite bad emperor. What a character, an evil one no less.
While Caligula appears to have been a depraved megalomaniac, Caracalla was more of a brutish thug. Both of them wound up murdered.
5:24 oh foreshadowing
Virgin Caracalla VS Chad Septimus Severus VS Thad Marcus Aurelius
Caracalla is looked at as the most ruthless emperor to his peers, but the people loved him in Rome. He had 2 sons takeover as emperor. You can’t please everyone.
a atupid monster but what an amazing portrait bust he got
Based Macrinus up next.
Caracalla sounds like it could be the name of a ride in a fair lol
I know you got your hands full with emperors but I’d love to see you do Julius Ceasar. And Mark Antony. And Sulla, the Gracchi, Sertorius... Just handle the Republic too I think I’m trying to say.
Not enough on Caracalla.. his bust always spoke to me
No Geta video?
Wonder what epithet he’s gonna give Elagabalus
Coprophagius
Heliogabalus
I was thinking “The Based Emperor” lol
I invested in art , I got a couple of velvet Elvis's and dogs playing poker paintings Im sitting on for retirement.
Caracalla is going to be the villain of Gladiator 2, currently being filmed by Ridley Scott.
Who's the actor
I love how he titled Chapter III "Reconciliation"
Emperors taking their nicknames from items of clothing. Surely that has an unhappy precedent
Matt Frasier!!😲
He did give everyone citizenship though.
Which is a bad thing. It devalued the rewards and benefits of becoming a soldier and would later help the western empire fall
While taking a pee Caracalla was killed. Seems a fitting end for such cruel Emporer.
Can you do a video on early Christianity in Rome?
We would definitely want to get a video on Emperor Constantine who made the most significant changes from paganism to Christianity.
He looks like my best friend, it's terryfying
*DISDAIN FOR PLEBS.*
He's son of septimus Severus which he's Libyan as well
I would like to know if the cloak became a fad It seems not at all from what we can tell from tombstones & edicts, I think that's indicative of how Rome felt about him
He was more called a Soldier Emperor rather than anything else
Scorn everyone,pay the army! -Septimius Severus death bed to his sons. Poor poor Geta.
Why Caracalla is the spitting image of Gennaro Gatuso (European football legend)?
Under appreciated comment this mate haha
Wnen emperor Geta comes out
Caracalla kinda looks like Jschlatt
Caracalla and Caligula must have been roommates and the School For Deranged Future Emporers. Tiberias was the dean.
👍👏👍👏👍
Alexander the Sequel
Severus Alexander the prologue
The title checks out. Sequels are rarely as good as the originals.
good/
How in the world do we have the story of Caracalla going to Alexandria and having all those boys and their families/friends slaughtered after singing their praises, but not know why he was there or what happened?
Caveat Emptor Caracalla
Spetmus Severus was born in Libya 🇱🇾 leptic magna Tripolitania his dad Berber mom from Roman
wait so Elogabalus is for the pride month? nice
Weird you used Lincoln as an example of modern coinage considering he has been dead almost 160 years. His face doesn't give a person in the future any idea of the time of the coin. The date does.
He ranks highest in Rome. Or something like that... 😎
@@Endgame707 you mean Briton.
He was cruel, yes, but a hell of a bath could he built.
"The cruel emperor" is a bizarre epithet for a Roman emperor considering every other Roman emperor
If you share my hatred for plebs, you’ll agree that Caracalla was the greatest emperor.
Who was his offspring im trying to located Cleopatra s descendents
I’m the comment that gathers the “Joseph Quinn” army
@@TheGnome21 ok and? 😬
Fun fact: in my country (Romania) we have a city named after him (Caracal).
Caracalla is probably more crueller than Nero and Caligula
This guy was a real jerk
Just nothing redeeming about him
@@ceplio the worst part about him was the hypocrisy
@@ceplio his campaigns against the germans actually were a success
dude, that ad was too much. 3 min in the middle of the video, do you hate us?
Hatra, that’s in modern day north of Iraq.
question; why they call them caledonians?! could it be that these people came from east the kaldanians no coincidence must be, exact same name
Dude please. Phalanx was a formation to let cavalry envilope opposing army. Phalax failed to function at uneven train and with lack of cavalry to complete this tactic. Legions would fail if they opposed a cavalry with phalanx. Do not be naive
Yeah, they were eclipsed, by the legions, due to those tactical disadvantages