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Emperor · Monarch · Politician
Emperor of the Roman Empire. He is known for extending Roman citizenship to free people within the empire with the Edict of Antoninus. He is a person who thinks about the integration and control of ancient empires.
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Birth
Rome
Work
Constitutio Antoniniana
212
Law
Extension of Roman citizenship
212
Political event · Leader
Map: Natural Earth (PD)
Born into the imperial family of the Severid dynasty, he experienced imperial politics under his father, Septimius Severus. His joint rule with his younger brother Geta was a shaky start due to deepening conflicts and power struggles.
In 212, he issued the Edict of Antoninus, granting Roman citizenship to free peoples throughout the empire. Combined with increases in military spending and changes in provincial governance, the system promoted the unification of the empire.
Also known as the Baths of Caracalla, this huge public building was a display of imperial power. Although he is said to be a harsh ruler as an individual, his influence on the system is enormous.
When you study Caracalla, you can see the process by which the Roman Empire changed from being dominated by the city-state of Rome to an imperial community that included vast tributaries. The expansion of citizenship is an important clue to thinking about the integration of the ancient world.
