Caracalla and Dacia. Imperial Visit, a Reality or Only Rumour?

New evidence challenges the long-held belief that Roman Emperor Caracalla visited Dacia in 213, traveling as far north as Porolissum. Analysis of recent inscriptions from across the Roman Empire indicates Caracalla was likely in the Orient post-October 213, after defeating the Alamanns near Raetia, rather than on a northern frontier expedition. While he may have briefly stopped at Drobeta or Tibiscum—where he could have visited Apollo’s temple—logistical constraints and his recorded arrival in Nicomedia by December 17 make a journey to Porolissum implausible. The study also debunks the link between tile-stamps from Legions VII Gemina Felix (Leon) and III Gallica (Porolissum) with Caracalla’s movements, citing no historical precedent for such vexillation replacements during his eastern campaigns.

Opreanu, C. H. (2015). CARACALLA AND DACIA. IMPERIAL VISIT, A REALITY OR ONLY RUMOUR? Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.14795/j.v2i2.107