Roman history, especially that of the empire, is characterized by dazzling personalities and unusual characters on the imperial throne. This even extended to the elevation of a horse to consul... Today we look briefly at the history of Caracalla, one of the strangest characters.

On this day, the 4th of February, 2025, we cast our minds back to the tumultuous era of ancient Rome, specifically to the "Ascension of Caracalla," or the rise of Caracalla to the imperial throne. This event, while marking a significant chapter in Roman history, is steeped in the kind of irony and tragedy that only the annals of empire can muster.

Caracalla, or Lucius Septimius Bassianus, was never the epitome of a benevolent ruler. His rise to power in 211 AD, following the death of his father, Septimius Severus, was as much a testament to his ambition as it was to his ruthlessness. Sharing the throne initially with his brother, Geta, the co-emperorship was short-lived. Caracalla ensured his sole rule through one of the most infamous acts of the era—the assassination of Geta.

This "Ascension" was not just about gaining power; it was about securing it at any cost. In a display of familial betrayal that would make even the gods of old cringe, Caracalla had Geta murdered in their mother's arms, a scene so grotesque it would have been at home in a Greek tragedy. This act of fratricide was followed by a purge of Geta's supporters, a move to eliminate any hint of opposition or memory of Geta's shared reign.

Yet, amidst this bloodshed, Caracalla managed to implement one of the most significant legal reforms in Roman history—the "Constitutio Antoniniana," which granted Roman citizenship to all free men in the empire. This edict, while revolutionary, was likely motivated by fiscal pragmatism rather than any genuine desire for equality. It expanded the tax base, ensuring that the empire's coffers would continue to fill, supporting Caracalla's extravagant projects, like the Baths of Caracalla.

The irony of Caracalla's rule is palpable. Here was an emperor who expanded the rights of citizenship across the empire while simultaneously staining his hands with the blood of his kin and countless others. His reign teaches us a harsh lesson about power: it often comes at the price of morality, integrity, and sometimes, even family.

The "Ascension of Caracalla" thus stands as a dual narrative of legal reform and personal vendetta. It's a reminder that history isn't just about the laws enacted or the buildings erected but also about the human cost of power. Caracalla's legacy, wrapped in the grandeur of his public works, is forever tainted by the shadow of his darker deeds.

In the end, as we reflect on this day, let us remember that the throne of Caracalla was not just a seat of power but a monument to the complexities of human nature, where ambition can lead to both the elevation of civilizations and the degradation of the soul.