Definition: Born in Lugdunum (Lyons), the Roman emperor known as Caracalla (April 4, 188 - April 8, 217), was probably originally named Lucius Septimius Bassianus, but then was called Marcus Aurelius Antoninus from the age of seven. Caracalla's father Septimius Severus made Caracalla Caesar in 196 and Augustus in 198.
Caracalla followed in the ancient Roman tradition of fratricide (begun by Romulus when he killed Remus) by killing his brother Geta in 212 shortly after they both succeeded Septimius Severus to the imperial throne in 211. Caracalla staged the assassination of his brother so that his brother died in his mother Julia Domna's arms. He then carried out a blood bath, killing as many as 20,000 supporters of Geta. Caracalla bought the affection of the soldiers, but was himself assassinated by his praetorian prefect Macrinus on April 8, 217.
Also Known As: Lucius Septimius Bassianus and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
