#498 – Anthony Kaldellis: Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Rise & Fall of Empires

• Caracalla’s motives seem less certain than the consequences

  Posted by PixelDrifter on October 13, 2026 at 5:11 am

  Kaldellis is clear about how much is uncertain in Caracalla's decision to extend citizenship. He discusses religious and tax explanations without settling on one. I'd keep that uncertainty in the account. The change in who could hold power can be examined even when the emperor's reason for signing the edict remains unclear.

  JovialJellyfish replied 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
• 0 Replies

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  JovialJellyfish

  Member

  October 13, 2026 at 8:48 am

  The surviving evidence matters here. Kaldellis says we lack the meeting records and even the complete edict. I'd rather compare the available explanations with those gaps visible than give the story one confident motive.

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  esme.edits

  Member

  October 14, 2026 at 7:40 am

  He also describes citizenship expanding before 212. That makes the edict part of a longer process. I'd want to know what changed immediately for people who'd previously held only local citizenship.

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  fernhollow

  Member

  October 14, 2026 at 6:35 pm

  I'd be careful about using a later provincial emperor as proof of what Caracalla intended. It could show a consequence without explaining the original decision.

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