Marcus Aurelius Numerianus (d. November, 284), known in English as Numerian, was the son of the Roman emperor Carus and brother of the Roman Emperor Carinus. On the death of his father, whom he accompanied on his expedition against the Persians, he was proclaimed emperor in December 283. He resolved to abandon the campaign, and died mysteriously on his way back to Europe eight months afterwards. His father-in-law Arrius Aper , prefect of the Praetorian Guards, who was suspected of having murdered him, was slain by Diocletian, whom the soldiers had already proclaimed his successor.

Numerianus is represented as having been a man of considerable literary attainments, and of remarkably amiable character. He was known as a great orator and poet.

This entry was originally from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.

See also: Roman Empire