Short Biography about the life of Macrinus
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Macrinus, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire.

• Name commonly known as: Macrinus

• Latin Roman Name: Marcus Opellius Macrinus

• Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 8 April 217 - June 218 (his son Diadumenian was also given the title Caesar and Augustus)

• Dynasty / Historical Period: Severan

• Place and Date of Birth: Born c. 165 in Iol Caesarea (Algeria)

• Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Macrinus was Caracalla

• Family connections / Genealogy

  • Married: Nonia Celsa

  • Children: Diadumenian

• Place and Date of Death: Died 8th June 218 (age 53) in Antioch

• Name of next Emperor:  Macrinus shared titles with his young son, Diadumenian. The successor to Macrinus was Elagabalus

Interesting facts about the life of Macrinus
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Macrinus from the following facts and information about his life. Macrinus, one of the Praetorian Prefects, had discovered that the tyrant Caracalla was planning his .death. Macrinus therefore instigated a conspiracy to kill the Emperor. Caracalla was assassinated on March 8, A.D. 217. Macrinus, Prefect of the Praetorian Guard, was elected emperor on March 11, A.D. 217. The Senate and the provinces submitted without a murmur. But the new emperor was disliked by the nobles on account of his humble origin, and soon offended his army by endeavoring to reform their discipline. His son, Diadumenian, was proclaimed Caesar from May, 217 to 218, and as Augustus in 218. A plot by Julia Domna's sister, Julia Maesa was hatched to oust Macrinus and his son in favor of her grandson, Elagabalus. A rebellion broke out in the Syrian army, who proclaimed Elagabalus the Emperor. A battle took place, in which Macrinus was defeated who was put to death. Macrinus died 8th June 218 in Antioch, his young son Diadumenian followed the fate of his father. Elagabalus, yet another monster, ascended the throne.

The Severan Dynasty (193 - 235)
Septimius Severus began the Severan Dynasty which included Caracalla, Geta, Macrinus, Diadumenian (son of Macrinus), Elagabalus and Alexander Severus. The Severan Dynasty marked the end of Pax Romana (Roman peace) and ended the practice of choosing heirs based on ability rather than lineage or civil war.