CARINUS (283-285)

"The Worst Emperor" Emperor Carinus was considered the worst ruler in Roman history. According to the Historia Augusta, he had nine wives, several of whom he abandoned upon discovering they were pregnant. He was also allegedly notorious for his fondness for noblewomen, openly flirting and engaging in affairs with them in the presence of their husbands. Carinus became infamous for numerous baseless executions, including those of former schoolmates who had mocked him during their studies.

It seems that Carinus owes much of his bad reputation to his successor, Diocletian, who had been his enemy for years. Regardless of which side's narrative is more accurate, it is evident that Carinus was far from an exemplary ruler.