Caracalla Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 207AD RIC 88

Obverse: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG, Head of Caracalla, laureate, right Reverse: PONTIF TR P X COS II, Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak tied round waist, advancing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand Date: 207 A.D. ID: RIC IV Caracalla 88 Size: 19mm diameter, 3.15g weight Composition: Silver Caracalla was a cruel and tyrannical leader according to ancient historians. He and his brother Geta became co-emperors in 211 A.D. upon their father's death. The two brothers had a fierce hatred of one another, which culminated in Caracalla having Geta stabbed to death later that year and declaring himself sole emperor (then massacring 20,000 of Geta's friends and supporters). Caracalla spent nearly his entire reign campaigning with his armies, and styled himself a soldier-emperor. He met his end in 217 A.D. (29 years old) at the sword of a common Roman soldier, who was angry that Caracalla had not approved his promotion to centurion (and who was possibly encouraged/aided in the assassination by Caracalla's general Macrinus, who became the next emperor).