By Anne Leader

Roman Emperor Caracalla was assassinated on 8 April 217, four days after his twenty-ninth birthday. Born Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Augustus, Caracalla was the son of Septimius Severus, with whom he co-ruled the empire from 198 to 211.  He infamously had his brother Geta killed that same year to secure sole rule for himself. Though viewed as one of the nastiest Roman empires (in addition to fratricide, he authorized numerous massacres and persecutions), Caracalla also commissioned one of the great works of Roman architecture with the enormous bath complex in Rome that carries his name.

Bust of Caracalla, marble, from the Baths of Caracalla, now Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples

Medallion with Profile of Caracalla, gold. Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore

Baths of Caracalla, views, plan, and decorations

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