Carus            282 - 283 A.D.

The short reign of this emperor is clouded with differing accounts of his life. Whether he instigated a successful revolt that ended with the death of Probus or that he was simply named emperor upon hearing of his death is unsure. Either way, his accession was ratified by the Senate. He promptly set out with his armies to counter recent tribal invasions along the empire's Germanic borders and from there led a successful campaign against the Persians. What happened next is also unsure but Carus died under suspicious conditions. Supposedly he was stricken by lightning but this sounds too convenient and it can be suspected that because of the timing an aspiring general may have played a role.

AE Antoninianus 282--283 A.D. Antioch 21 mm. Obv. IMP C M AVR CARVS PF AVG: Radiate, draped bust right Rev. VIRTVS AVGG: Carus receiving Victory on a globe from Jupiter C. 110, Van Meter 15v.