The story of Macrinus, the man who defied all odds to become Roman Emperor, is one of the most fascinating in antiquity. In this video we tell how he, born into a modest family in Mauretania and with no aristocratic connections, ascended to the throne of the Roman Empire following the assassination of Caracalla.
A cautious leader, he attempted to reform the empire's finances and bring stability, but soon faced opposition from the legions and the powerful Severan dynasty, led by the cunning Julia Maesa. His reign of just one year exposed Rome's vulnerability: the fate of the emperor depended on the support of his troops and the loyalty of his aristocrats. Discover the story of Macrinus, an example of how volatile and treacherous power in Rome could be, and reflect on the impact of his brief time on the throne. What would have happened to Rome if he had had more time to rule?
