Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A Nice Relaxing Bath...In Blood...

Today's less than beloved Roman emperor is one Lucius Septimius Bassianus, now better known as Caracalla.  Ruler from 198-217AD, Caracalla was known for four things: killing his co-ruler brother Geta, massacres and persecutions, eventually being assassinated while taking a leak on the side of the road, and the elaborate baths he had built that lasted until the 6th Century when they were destroyed by the more body image conscious* Ostrogoths.  The nickname of Caracalla referred to the style of Gallic cloak that he favored and would NOT have been a name you'd ever call this guy in person.

(*pure speculation on my part...)

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