Born in Lyon, his name "Caracalla" comes from the Gallic clothes he wore.

In 211 he succeeded his father Septimius Sevberus with his brother Geta, but then in 212 he assassinated his brother to gain sole possession of the throne.

Caracalla ruled with cruelty and extravagances, he built the famous thermae in Rome.

His delusions of grandeur extended to having himself represented as a god or pharaoh in statues and coins.

Caracalla was assassinated by his body guards.