Opellius Macrinus

1. OpelliusMacrinus March 27th, 2012 http://www.livius.org/a/1/romanempire/macr_diad_coin.jpg

2. What is the HA’s opinion of Macrinus?

3. General Remarks Re: Sources • HA is mostly fictional; rabidly hostile. • Dio , 79 - gives a good account but is hostile and full of lacunae. • Herodian 4.12-5.4 – is complete; appears fair and balanced. • Appears to have been a decent emperor; his origins rendered many (including our sources) unreasonably hostile to him.

4. Macrinus’ Background • Some disagreement among the sources. • Complete agreement as to ethnic origin; an African man of color. • HA gives him an extremely disreputable past. • Dio and Herodian provide a more respectable rise to post of Praetorian Prefect. • B. 165 in Caesarea, Mauretania; received a good literary education. • Promoted through the imperial civil service by Severus. • Made Praetorian Prefect by Caracalla; accompanied him on his Parthian campaigns. • Held to have engineered Caracalla’s murder; not entirely certain that he did.

5. The HA on the Origins and Character of Macrinus • “Now after the murder of Antoninus Bassianus, Opellius Macrinus, who was his prefect of the guard and had previously been the steward of his private property, laid hold upon the imperial power. Though of humble origin and shameless in spirit as well as in countenance, and though hated by all, both civilians and soldiers, he nevertheless proclaimed himself now Severus and now Antoninus.” (HA. Macrinus, 2.1. Trans. D. Magie, 1924). • “In fact, such statements1 as these were made by Aurelius Victor, surnamed Pinius: 3 that Macrinus under the reign of Commodus was a freedman and a public prostitute, engaged in servile tasks about the imperial palace; that his honour could be purchased and his manner of life was base; that Severus had even dismissed him from his wretched duties and banished him to Africa, where, in order to conceal the disgrace of his condemnation, he devoted himself to reading, pleaded minor cases, engaged in declamation, and finally administered the law; 4 further, that through the support of his fellow-freedman Festus, he was presented with the golden ring, and under Verus Antoninus was made pleader for the privy-purse. 5 But not only are these statements reported as doubtful, but others are made by various authors, which also we will not fail to relate. For many have said that he fought in a gladiatorial combat, received the honorary staff, and then went to Africa; 6 that he was first of all a huntsman in the arena, then a notary, and after that a pleader for the privy-purse — an office from which he was advanced to the very highest honours. 7 Then, when prefect of the guard, after his colleague was banished, he slew his emperor, Antoninus Caracalla, employing such treachery that it did not appear that the Emperor had been slain by him. 8 For by bribing the imperial equerry and holding out great hopes, he caused the report to spread that the Emperor was killed by a conspiracy of the soldiers, because he had incurred their displeasure through his fratricide or his incest.” (HA. Macrinus, 5.2-7. Trans. D. Magie, 1924).

6. Dio’s Account of Macrinus’ Background • “Macrinus was a [sic] Moor by birth, from Caesarea, and the son of most obscure parents, so that he was very appropriately likened to the ass that was led up to the palace by the spirit; in particular, one of his ears had been bored in accordance with the custom followed by most of the [sic] Moors. But his integrity threw even this drawback into the shade. As for his attitude toward law and precedent, his knowledge of them was not so accurate as his observance of them was faithful. It was thanks to this latter quality, as displayed in his advocacy of a friend's cause, that he had become known to Plautianus, whose steward he then became for a time. Later he came near perishing with his patron, but was unexpectedly saved by the intercession of Cilo, and was appointed by Severus as superintendent of traffic along the Flaminian Way. From Antoninus he first received some brief appointments as procurator, than was made prefect, and discharged the duties of this office in a most satisfactory and just manner, in so far as he was free to follow his own judgment.” (Dio 79.11. Trans. E.Cary, 1927).

7. A Severan Origin for the HA Assessment?The Evidence from Herodian • “Caracalla had two generals in his army: [Marcus Oclatinius] Adventus, an old man, who had some skill in military matters but was a layman in other fields and unacquainted with civil administration; and [Marcus Opellius] Macrinus, experienced in public affairs and especially well trained in law. Caracalla often ridiculed Macrinus publicly, calling him a brave, self-styled warrior, and carrying his sarcasm to the point of shameful abuse.” (Herodian, 4.12.1. Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

8. Why would the Severan dynasty be hostile to Macrinus?

9. The Plot to Kill Caracalla • HA – Macrinus motivated by base ambition and low character. • Agreement in Herodian and Dio on a different motive; self-preservation. • Caracalla followed the advice of prophets, oracles, astrologers etc. • Materianus’ (urban prefect) letter to Caracalla. • Dio – Letter went to Julia Domna; withheld from Caracalla. • Herodian – Letter went directly to Macrinus; withheld by Macrinus. • Macrinus in danger; had to act. • Herodian on the behavior of the army – was Macrinus behind the plot?

10. Dio on the Plot • “Antoninus made preparations in his turn; but it did not fall to his lot to carry on the war, for he was murdered in the midst of his soldiers, whom he most honoured and in whom he reposed vast confidence. It seems that a seer in Africa had declared, in such a manner that it became noised abroad, that be Macrinus, the prefect, and his son, Diadumenianus, were destined to hold the imperial power; and later this seer, upon being sent to Rome, had revealed this prophecy to Flavius Maternianus, who at the time commanded the soldiers in the city, and this man had at once written a letter to Antoninus. But it happened that this letter was diverted to Antioch to the emperor's mother Julia, since she had been instructed to sort everything that arrived and thus prevent a mass of unimportant letters from being sent to him while he was in the enemy's country; whereas another letter, written by UlpiusJulianus, who was then in charge of the census, went by other couriers direct to Macrinus, informing him of the state of affairs. Thus the message to the emperor was delayed, while the despatch to Macrinus was read by him in good season. And so Macrinus, fearing he should be put to death by Antoninus on this account, especially as a certain Egyptian, Serapio, had told the emperor to his face a few days earlier that he would be short-lived and that Macrinus would succeed him, delayed no longer.” (Dio 79.4.1-4. Trans. E.Cary, 1927).

11. Herodian on the Plot • “Sealing this letter, he gave it routinely with the other dispatches to the couriers, who did not, of course, know what they were carrying. Completing the journey with their usual speed, the messengers approached Caracalla after he had already donned his racing uniform and was about to climb into the waiting chariot, and gave him the whole bundle of dispatches, including the letter concerning Macrinus. Caracalla, about to drive off, and intent upon the coming race, ordered Macrinus, who was standing nearby alone, to examine the dispatches and, if they contained anything urgent, to inform him. If, however, there was nothing pressing in them, he was to handle them himself in the usual manner, in his capacity as praetorian prefect. The emperor frequently ordered Macrinus to do this. After giving these directions, Caracalla turned to his race. Macrinus withdrew and opened the dispatches in private; when he found the one containing his own death sentence, he saw clearly the danger which threatened him. Knowing the emperor's nature, and realizing that the death sentence contained in the letter would give the emperor legitimate cause for putting him to death, Macrinus removed this letter from the pile and reported that the rest were of the routine sort. The prefect, fearing that Materianus might send this information to the emperor a second time, decided to act now rather than wait and suffer the consequences. ” (Herodian, 4.12.6 – 4.13.1. Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

12. The Immediate Aftermath of the Plot • HA – Telescoping of events; very jumbled: 1. Provided a donative. 2. Wrote to the senate regarding Caracalla’s death and his elevation to power. 3. Position confirmed by senate (b/c of hatred for Caracalla). 4. Dashed off to fight the Parthians (Summer 217). • Dio – Events move more slowly: 1. After death of Caracalla, Macrinus not hailed emperor right away. 2. Attempted to maintain integrity of eastern frontier against Parthian incursion. 3. Suggested peace with the Parthians to the legions; soldiers enthused; war unpopular and unsuccessful. 4. Hailed emperor by soldiers 4 days later. • Herodian – Similar account to Dio with some minor additions/variations: 1. Macrinus not proclaimed emperor right away (and not suspected of the murder by the army either). 2. Caracalla cremated and sent to Julia Domna in Antioch. 3. Empire w/o an emperor for two days; soldiers in confusion; news of Artabanus’ advance. 4. Throne offered to Adventus but he declines. 5. Settle on Macrinus (Apr 11. 217).

13. According to the HA, what kind of an emperor was Macrinus?

14. The HA on Macrinus the Emperor • A very different image from Dio and Herodian. • Agreement on his predisposition toward to luxurious living. • Concerned to wipe-out the “stain” of his origins. • Stern, harsh, bloodthirsty and cruel. • Does not square with actual policies.

15. The HA on the Cruelty of Macrinus • “Macrinus, then, was arrogant and bloodthirsty and desirous of ruling in military fashion. He found fault even with the discipline of former times and lauded Severus alone above all others. 2 For he even crucified soldiers and always used the punishments meted out to slaves, and when he had to deal with a mutiny among the troops, he usually decimated the soldiers — but sometimes he only centimated them. This last was an expression of his own, for he used to say that he was merciful in putting to death only one in a hundred, whereas they deserved to have one in ten or one in twenty put to death…. He also put living men into walls, which he then built up. Those guilty of adultery he always burned alive, fastening their bodies together. A slave who had fled from his master and had been found he would sentence to a combat with the sword in the public games. 11 A public informer, if he could not make good his accusation, he would condemn to death; if he could make it good, he would present him with his reward in money and send him away in disgrace.” (HA. Macrinus, 12.1-2 and 10-11. Trans. D. Magie, 1924).

16. Dio on Macrinus’ Reign • Ill-disposed toward Macrinus b/c of his social and ethnic background. • Did many good things (i.e. punished informers w/o engaging in a witch-hunt). • Bad outweighed the good. • Prone to luxury. • Made bad appointments to imperial posts. • Coward.

17. Macrinus and Class Prejudice • “But these were not the only acts for which he met with well-deserved censure; he was also blamed for appointing as prefects Ulpius Julianus and Julianus Nestor, men who possessed no excellence at all and had not been widely tested in affairs, but had become quite notorious for knavery in Caracallus' reign; for, being in command his couriers, they had been of great assistance to him in satisfying his unholy curiosity. Only a few people, however, paid heed to these matters, which did not tend wholly to reassure them; the majority of the ordinary citizens, in view of their having got rid of Tarautas so promptly, which was more than they could have hoped for, and in view of the promise the new ruler gave, in the few indications afforded, that his course in all other respects would be similar, did not really have time to condemn him in so short a period, and for this reason they mourned him exceedingly when he was dead, though they would certainly have held him in hatred had he lived longer. For he began to live rather more luxuriously and he took official notice of those who found any fault with him. His putting Maternianus and Datus to death was not justifiable, to be sure, — for what wrong had they done in being attentive to their emperor? — yet it was not inconsistent with human nature, since he had been in great peril; but he made a mistake when he vented his wrath upon the others, who were suspected of being displeased at his low birth and his unwarranted desire for the supreme power. He ought, of course, to have done precisely the opposite: realizing what he had been at the outset and what his position was now, he should not have been haughty, but should have acted with moderation and cultivated the genius of his household, and thus encouraged people by kindness and a uniform display of excellence everywhere alike.” (Dio 79.15. Trans. E.Cary, 1927).

18. Dio on the Moorish Emperor • “For Macrinus, both because of his natural cowardice (for, being a Moor, he was exceedingly timorous) and because of the soldiers' lack of discipline, did not dare to finish the war out, but instead expended enormous sums in the form of gifts as well as money, which he presented both to Artabanus himself and to the powerful men around him, the entire outlay amounting to two hundred million sesterces. And the Parthia was not loath to come to terms, both for this reason and because his troops were exceedingly restive, due to their having been kept away from home an unusually long time as well as to the scarcity of food; for they had no food supplies available, either from stores previously made ready, or from the country itself, inasmuch as the food either had been destroyed or else was in the forts. Macrinus, however, did not forward a full account of all their arrangements to the senate, and consequently sacrifices of victory were voted in his honour and the name of Parthicus was bestowed upon him. But this he declined, being ashamed, apparently, to take a title from an enemy by whom he had been defeated.” (Dio 79.27. Trans. E.Cary, 1927).

19. Herodian on Macrinus • Better disposed toward Macrinus. • Summer, 217 - Fights a bloody battle with the Parthians; Artabanus angry after incursions of Caracalla; does not yet know Caracalla is dead. • Macrinus signs a peace with Artabanus; Parthian anger understandable; reparations offered. • Corrected many of the abuses under Caracalla. • Accused of reacting to events too slowly. • Predisposition toward luxury cost him respect of the army.

20. Macrinus Offers Peace to Artabanus • “He told Artabanus that he did not approve of Caracalla's actions and promised to restore all the money he had lost. Macrinus offered friendship to Artabanus instead of hostility and assured him that he would confirm peace between them by oaths and treaties. When he learned this and was informed by envoys of Caracalla's death, Artabanus believed that the treaty breaker had suffered a suitable punishment; as his own army was riddled with wounds, the king signed a treaty of peace with Macrinus, content to recover the captives and stolen money without further bloodshed.” (Herodian, 4.15.8. – 4.13.1. Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

21. Macrinus’ Letter to the Senate • "You are familiar with the course of my life from its very beginning. You know my inclination toward uprightness of character, and are aware of the moderation with which I previously managed affairs, when my power and authority were little inferior to that of the emperor himself. For that reason, and since the emperor sees fit to put his trust in the praetorian prefects, I do not think it necessary for me to address you at great length. You know that I did not approve of the emperor's actions. Indeed, I frequently risked my life on your behalf when he listened to random charges and attacked you without mercy. He criticized me harshly too, often publicly complaining about my moderation and my restraint in dealing with those under my authority, and ridiculing me for my easygoing ways and mild manner. He delighted in flatterers and men who encouraged him to cruelty and gave him good reason for his savagery by arousing his anger with slanderous charges. These people he considered his loyal friends. I, on the other hand, have from the beginning been mild, moderate, and agreeable. We brought the war against the Parthians to a conclusion, a critical struggle involving the safety of the whole Roman empire. In our courageous opposition to the Parthians we proved in no way inferior to them, and in signing a treaty of peace we made a loyal friend instead of a dangerous enemy of a great king, who had marched against us at the head of a formidable army. Under my rule all men shall live in peace, and senatorial rule shall replace the autocracy. But let no one think me unworthy of my post, and let no one believe that Fortune blundered in raising me to this position, even though I am of the equestrian order. For what advantage is there in nobility of birth unless it be combined with a beneficent and kindly nature? The gifts of Fortune fall upon the undeserving also, but it is the excellence of his own soul which brings every man his measure of personal glory. Nobility of birth, wealth, and the like are presumed to bring happiness, but, since they are bestowed by someone else, they deserve no praise. Virtue and kindness, on the other hand, besides commanding admiration, win a full measure of praise for anyone who succeeds by his own efforts. What, may I ask, did the noble birth of Commodus profit you ? Or the fact that Caracalla inherited the throne from his father? Indeed, having received the empire as legal heirs, the two youths abused their high office and conducted themselves insolently, as if the empire were their own personal possession by right of inheritance. But those who receive the empire from your hands are eternally in your debt for the favor, and they undertake to repay those who have done them previous good services. The noble ancestry of the highborn emperors leads them to commit insolent acts out of contempt for their subjects, whom they regard as far below them. By contrast, those who come to the throne as a result of temperate behavior treat the post with respect, since they secured it by toil; they continue to show to those who were formerly their superiors the same deference and esteem they were accustomed to show. I intend to have you senators as my associates and assistants in managing the empire, and I intend to do nothing without your approval. You shall live in freedom and security, enjoying the privileges of which you were deprived by your nobly born emperors and which Marcus, of old, and Pertinax, recently, undertook to restore to you; the latter also are emperors who came to the throne from private circumstances. Surely it is better for a man to provide his descendants with the glorious beginnings of a family line than, having inherited ancestral glory, to disgrace it by outrageous behavior." (Herodian, – 5.1 Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

22. A Good Year to be a Roman? • “All informers and all slaves who had betrayed their masters were crucified; the city of Rome and virtually the entire Roman empire were purged of these scoundrels. Some were killed, others exiled; any who managed to escape, prudently laid low. As a result, men lived in complete security and in a semblance of freedom during the single year in which Macrinus was emperor.” (Herodian, – 5.2.2. Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

23. Herodian on Macrinus’ Shortcomings • “But he made a great mistake in not immediately disbanding the armies, sending the soldiers back to their regular stations, and hurrying off to a Rome eager to welcome him, where the people were shouting for him on every occasion. Instead, he loitered at Antioch, cultivating his beard. He moved with greater deliberation than was necessary, and to those who approached him he made replies that were very slow, difficult to understand, and often inaudible because of the softness of his voice. In doing all this he was imitating Marcus, but he failed to follow that emperor's example in other respects; he indulged in endless luxuries and devoted his time to dancing shows, recitals of every kind of music, and exhibitions of pantomime, while neglecting the administration of the empire. He appeared in public resplendent in brooches and wearing a stomacher lavishly adorned with gold and precious gems, extravagances of which the Roman soldiers did not approve because such ornaments seemed more appropriate to barbarians and women. The soldiers were not at all pleased by what they saw; they disapproved of his way of life as too dissolute for a military man. When they contrasted it with their recollection of Caracalla's daily routine, which, being soldierly and austere, was the exact opposite, they had only contempt for Macrinus' extravagant behavior. Other circumstances increased their irritation; still living in tents and sometimes short of supplies in a foreign land, even though a state of peace seemed to exist, they longed to return to their regular stations. When they saw Macrinus' luxury and laxity, they rebelled and spoke bitterly about him, praying for even a flimsy excuse to rid themselves of this annoyance.” (Herodian, – 5.2.3-6. Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

24. The Plot of the Julian Women • Julia Maesa (sister of Julia Domna)forced to leave imperial palace; returns to native Phoenicia. • Julia Maesa has two daughters, Julia Soaemias and Julia Mammaea; Julia Maesa promotes her grandsons as Severan heirs. • Bassianus = 14 year old son of J. Soaemias. • Alexianus = 10 year old son of J. Mammaea. • Priests of Elagabal; Bassianus a charismatic youth beloved by the Syrian legions. • Julia Maesa uses her wealth and the popularity of Bassianus to win over Syrian legions. • Macrinus hears of the defection; senate declares war on Bassianus and the Severan women; Macrinus reacts too slowly; sends out Prefect, Julianus. • Julianus’ troops defect; Julianus beheaded (head sent to Macrinus). • Macrinus leads army east to engage rebels; Rebels inspired by Bassianus’ and the Severan women who are on the field of battle. • Macrinus loses nerve and flees; his troops go over to Bassianus; Macrinus hunted like a common criminal; captured and beheaded while on his way to Rome. • Bassianus proclaimed emperor (Heliogabulus).

25. Julia Maesa Wins Over the Soldiers • “while they stood admiring the youth, Maesa, either inventing the story or telling the truth, informed them that Bassianus was really the son of Caracalla, although it might appear that he had another father. She claimed that when she was living in the palace with her sister, Caracalla slept with both of her daughters, who were young and beautiful. The men repeated her story to their fellow soldiers, and it soon became common knowledge throughout the army.Maesa was rumored to be enormously wealthy, and it was reported that she would immediately give all her money to the soldiers if they restored the empire to her family. The soldiers agreed that if the family would come secretly to the camp at night, they would open the gates, receive the family inside, and proclaim Bassianus emperor and son of Caracalla. The old woman agreed to the plan, preferring to risk any danger rather than live in obscurity and appear to have been discarded. And so she slipped unnoticed out of the city at night with her daughters and grandsons.Guided by soldiers who had deserted, they came to the wall of the camp and were warmly received inside. Immediately the entire army saluted Bassianus as "Son of Caracalla," and, wrapping him in a purple military cloak, held him inside the camp. Then, bringing in all the supplies from the villages and adjacent fields, together with the women and children, they prepared to endure a siege if it should prove necessary.” (Herodian, – 5.3.10-12. Trans. E.C. Echols, 1961).

26. The War Between Macrinus and the Severan Women (June 8, 218) • “War was declared and solemnly proclaimed against not only the usurper and his cousin but also against their mothers and their grandmother, and immunity was granted to those who had joined him in the uprising, in case of their submission, even as Macrinus had promised them. For his remarks to the soldiers were read; and because of them we all condemned still more strongly his abasement and his folly. In particular, he constantly called himself "father" and Diadumenianus his "son," and kept holding up to reproach the youth of the False Antoninus, though he had appointed as emperor his own son, who was much younger. Now in the battle Gannys made haste to occupy the pass in front of the village and drew up his troops in good order for fighting, in spite of the fact that he was utterly without experience in military affairs and had spent his life in luxury. But of such great assistance is good fortune in all situations alike that it actually bestows understanding upon the ignorant. His army, however, made a very weak fight, and the men would never have stood their ground, had not Maesa and Soaemis, who were already with the boy, leaped down from their chariots and rushing among the fleeing men restrained them from further flight by their lamentations, and had not the lad himself been seen by them p429dashing along on horseback, with drawn sword, — that same sword with which he had girded himself, — in a headlong rush that seemed divinely inspired, as if about to charge the enemy. Even so they would again have turned their backs, had not Macrinus fled when he saw them offering resistance.” (Dio 79.38. Trans. E.Cary, 1927).

27. The Severan Women Julia Soaemias Julia Maesa Julia Mammaea http://www.livius.org/a/1/emperors/coin_julia_maesa_valkhof.JPG http://www.livius.org/a/1/emperors/coin_julia_mamaea_valkhof.JPG http://www.livius.org/a/1/emperors/coin_julia_soeamias_valkhof.JPG

28. Discussion Questions • What are the greatest difficulties hindering historians from gaining a fully accurate sense of the character of Macrinus and his reign? • How can we read “against the grain” in an attempt to get around these difficulties? • The HA says that the soldiers eventually abandoned Macrinus for Elagabulus because Macrinus’ lifestyle was unbecoming of a soldier. Why is this suggestion problematic?