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Change and discontinuity within the Severan dynasty: the case of Macrinus
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Change and discontinuity within the Severan dynasty: the case of Macrinus
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Scott
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Andrew G.
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Andrew G. Scott
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Brennan
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T. Corey
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Advisory Committee
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T. Corey Brennan
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chair
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Figueira
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Thomas J.
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Advisory Committee
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Thomas J. Figueira
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Takacs
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Sarolta A.
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Advisory Committee
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Sarolta A. Takacs
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Metcalf
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William E.
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Advisory Committee
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William E. Metcalf
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Rutgers University
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Graduate School - New Brunswick
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theses
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2008
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2008-05
Language
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English
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electronic
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ix, 317 pages
Abstract
This dissertation examines the figure of Macrinus and his relationship to the Severan dynasty and the third century. As a usurper and non-aristocratic eques, Macrinus presents a problem of continuity within the Severan dynasty and in many ways was the precursor to the so-called "Third Century Crisis" of 235-285.
The opening chapters of this dissertation examine the state of Caracalla's foreign and domestic policy at the end of his reign (primarily 215-217), Caracalla's assassination, and Macrinus' accession. There is also a discussion of Macrinus' career prior to his accession and his initial consolidation of power.
A central question is how Macrinus legitimized his reign. The evidence, which includes literary, epigraphic, and numismatic sources, shows that he planned a familial succession that would be passed down to his son Diadumenian. Determining how Macrinus expressed his relationship both with the Severans and with his own son is critical for understanding how he tried to situate himself, as usurper, within the ruling family.
A further area of importance is Macrinus' program. Though detractors have suggested that the brevity of Macrinus' reign made it impossible to have a coherent program, even in a short reign development can be traced. Macrinus was left with a variety of problems due to the failed policies of Caracalla, and it will be the purpose of this study to assess how he attempted to correct these missteps and how he developed his own policies.
Finally, Macrinus was a victim of the struggle for power among the army, the equestrian bureaucracy, and the imperial family. An aspect of the illegitimate nature of Macrinus' reign was the almost instantaneous competition from the Syrian half of the house of Severus, orchestrated by the female relatives of Julia Domna. An investigation into the characters surrounding this power struggle, with particular emphasis on the women of the Severan line, will illuminate the inner workings of imperial families in this period and the power that women could wield.
The opening chapters of this dissertation examine the state of Caracalla's foreign and domestic policy at the end of his reign (primarily 215-217), Caracalla's assassination, and Macrinus' accession. There is also a discussion of Macrinus' career prior to his accession and his initial consolidation of power.
A central question is how Macrinus legitimized his reign. The evidence, which includes literary, epigraphic, and numismatic sources, shows that he planned a familial succession that would be passed down to his son Diadumenian. Determining how Macrinus expressed his relationship both with the Severans and with his own son is critical for understanding how he tried to situate himself, as usurper, within the ruling family.
A further area of importance is Macrinus' program. Though detractors have suggested that the brevity of Macrinus' reign made it impossible to have a coherent program, even in a short reign development can be traced. Macrinus was left with a variety of problems due to the failed policies of Caracalla, and it will be the purpose of this study to assess how he attempted to correct these missteps and how he developed his own policies.
Finally, Macrinus was a victim of the struggle for power among the army, the equestrian bureaucracy, and the imperial family. An aspect of the illegitimate nature of Macrinus' reign was the almost instantaneous competition from the Syrian half of the house of Severus, orchestrated by the female relatives of Julia Domna. An investigation into the characters surrounding this power struggle, with particular emphasis on the women of the Severan line, will illuminate the inner workings of imperial families in this period and the power that women could wield.
Note
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Ph.D.
Note
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Includes bibliographical references (p. 307-316).
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Classics
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Rome--History--Macrinus, 217-218
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Macrinus, Emperor of Rome, 164-218
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Graduate School - New Brunswick Electronic Theses and Dissertations
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http://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.2/rucore10001600001.ETD.17386
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doi:10.7282/T3WQ044V
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ETD doctoral
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Andrew Scott
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Rutgers University. Graduate School - New Brunswick
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I hereby grant to the Rutgers University Libraries and to my school the non-exclusive right to archive, reproduce and distribute my thesis or dissertation, in whole or in part, and/or my abstract, in whole or in part, in and from an electronic format, subject to the release date subsequently stipulated in this submittal form and approved by my school. I represent and stipulate that the thesis or dissertation and its abstract are my original work, that they do not infringe or violate any rights of others, and that I make these grants as the sole owner of the rights to my thesis or dissertation and its abstract. I represent that I have obtained written permissions, when necessary, from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis or dissertation and will supply copies of such upon request by my school. I acknowledge that RU ETD and my school will not distribute my thesis or dissertation or its abstract if, in their reasonable judgment, they believe all such rights have not been secured. I acknowledge that I retain ownership rights to the copyright of my work. I also retain the right to use all or part of this thesis or dissertation in future works, such as articles or books.
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