Middle Roman Empire, Military Anarchy (235-284): 51*Numerian, 52*Carinus; Diocletian’s Civil War, [3/12]

51*NUMERIAN (r.283-284)

The army withdrew under Numerianus. On the march through Asia Minor, he became incapacitated by a serious eye infection and travelled concealed in a litter. Flavius Aper took charge of the invalid and issued orders in his name. By the time the army reached northwest Asia Minor, Numerianus was dead. The soldiers turned to Diocles, commander of the domestici (imperial guard), who promptly killed Aper in full view of the army and was proclaimed emperor as ²³Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus (66; fl.284-312). 

52*CARINUS (r.283-285)

In the West, Carinus was being challenged by ²⁴Aurelius Sabinus Julianus, corrector of Venetia (Venice), whose revolt had formed in Pannonia. Carinus confronted and killed the pretender near Verona early in 285.

Diocletian’s Civil War (284-285), [3/12]

Rejecting Diocles’ declaration, Carinus moved his army eastwards to confront the pretender. The ensuing battle occurred in Moesia Superior at the Margus (=Great Morava) River. Carinus appeared to be winning but at a crucial moment he was killed by a dissident officer and his army went over to Diocletian, now the undisputed ruler of the Roman Empire.