Numerian

Numerian (283-284 CE), also known as Numerianus, was a Roman Emperor during the Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE).

1. BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

NAME:
- Marcus Aurelius Numerianus
NUMERIAN’S DATES OF REIGN AS EMPEROR:
- From 283 CE to 284 CE
NUMERIAN’S DATE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
- Born in 254 CE. Died 20 November 284 CE.
PLACE OF BIRTH AND DEATH:
- Place of birth unknown. Died in Homs, Syria.
NUMERIAN’S PREDECESSOR:
- Carus
NUMERIAN’S SUCCESSOR:
- Carinus his brother, then Diocletian
HEIR TO THE THRONE BECAUSE:
- His father Carus made him co-emperor with his brother Carinus.
DIED PEACEFULLY OR ASSASSINATED:
- Numerian was assassinated, possibly by Diocletian.
WHERE BURIED:
- Unknown.

In 282 CE, Carus made both his sons co-emperors and left Carinus in Rome, whilst taking Numerian with him to Parthia.
When Carus died in July or August 283 CE, Carinus ruled in Rome as co-Emperor with Numerian who was with the Legions in the East.
After the successful sack of Ctesiphon, Numerian and the army started its return journey back to the West.

On the return journey from Ctesiphon, the Prefect Aper, opened up the closed carriage containing Numerian, at Homs in Syria.
He found Numerian was dead. He then announced the news to the other Generals.

Instead of accepting Carinus as Emperor, the Generals decided to proclaim Diocletian the new Emperor instead.
Diocletian received the honour before the assembled armies, then turned to the Prefect Aper, accused him of the assassination of Numerian and executed him in full view of the surrounding soldiers.