Caracalla in Egypt (A.D. 215-216)

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Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus (188–217) was a young Roman emperor who ruled from 211 to 217. The elder son of Lucius Septimius Severus and Julia Domna, he grew up in a philosophical environment. Known as 'Caracalla,' a nickname derived from a coat he often wore, modern scholarship adopted this name to distinguish him from other figures in Roman history. After a brief joint rule with his brother Publius Septimius Geta, Caracalla had him murdered, likely at the end of 211. In 212, he granted Roman citizenship to all inhabitants of the empire, aspiring to conquer the East and create a universal empire, inspired by Alexander the Great. Like his idol, he embraced the hardships of military life and was popular among soldiers. However, his volatile temperament led to acts of cruel tyranny. This study explores a mysterious episode during Caracalla's Eastern campaign, reflecting his imitation of Alexander. In December 215, he arrived in Alexandria, founded by Alexander. Instead of celebrating, he executed provincial administrators, exterminated local entrepreneurs, and in April 216, massacred the city's inhabitants.