BI Silver Tetradrachm - Ancient Rome, c. 198-217 AD
Ruler: Caracalla
Obv: Laureate & draped bust of Ruler, right
Rev: Imperial Eagle standing, facing with spread wings
Mint: Phoenicea – Tyre
Struck 215-217 AD, Legends in Greek
Prieur 1650, 27mm, 14.68 gm
Caracalla was Roman emperor of Punic and Syrian (Arab) descent from 198 to 217. The eldest son of Septimius Severus, he reigned jointly with his father from 198 until Severus' death in 211. For a short time he then ruled jointly with his younger brother Geta until he had him murdered later in 211.
Caracalla is remembered as one of the most notorious and unpleasant of emperors because of the massacres and persecutions he authorized and instigated throughout the Empire.
