CARAUSIUS - AN INTRODUCTION

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Carausius, a Roman military commander in northern Gaul, revolted in either 286 or 287 AD faced with almost certain death for treason. He was accused of keeping captured treasure for his troops rather than sending it to the imperial exchequer. This charge is very similar to the one that was put before Postumus nearly thirty years before and may represent a standard accusation levied against successful popular commanders.

Carausius fled to Britain where he established a rebel regime based upon the Roman template and successfully defended his rule until 293 AD.

Carausius established mints in Boulogne, London and a location beginning with C and struck a prolific coinage, albeit of somewhat suspect quality at times.

These pages are to serve as an introduction to the period.

A wonderful aureus of Carausius, ex Bunker Hunt, with an orthographic error, ORIES (sic) on the reverse