Portrait of Emperor Macrinus, dating to the 3rd century CE. Crafted in bronze, it was discovered in Boleč, near Belgrade, Serbia and is now on display in a museum in Belgrade. This sculpture reflects the Roman tradition of imperial portraiture, emphasizing authority and presence.

Emperor Macrinus was a Roman ruler who reigned from AD 217 to 218. Born Marcus Opellius Macrinus in Mauretania (modern Algeria), he was the first emperor to come from the equestrian class rather than the senatorial elite.

Before becoming emperor, Macrinus served as the praetorian prefect under Emperor Caracalla. In 217, after orchestrating Caracalla’s assassination, he declared himself emperor. His reign was marked by efforts to restore financial stability to the empire through cost-cutting measures, especially in the military.

However, his unpopularity among the soldiers and the rise of Elagabalus, who claimed to be related to Caracalla, led to Macrinus’s downfall. After being defeated in battle near Antioch in 218, he was captured and executed. Despite his brief rule, Macrinus remains significant as the first equestrian and North African to ascend to the Roman throne.