Macrīnus, Marcus Opilius
Sevērus
A Roman emperor from April, A.D. 217, to June 218. Born of humble parentage at the
Mauretanian Caesarea, he became praetorian praefect under Caracalla, whom he accompanied
against the Parthians, and whose death he procured, in order that he might become his
successor. As emperor he won considerable popularity by the remission of certain oppressive
taxes, but suffering at Nisibis a defeat at the hands of the Parthians, and losing the love of
his soldiers by his severe discipline, he was attacked by the forces who had proclaimed
Elagabalus as emperor and defeated by them. Escaping in disguise, he was taken prisoner in
Chalcedon and put to death. His life has come down to us written by Capitolinus.