Roman general who usurped the title of emperor and ruled Britain from 286 to 293.
A member of the Menapii tribe (a Belgic people) he served with distinction as an officer under the emperor Maximian (ruled 286-305) against the Bagaudae and Franks in Gaul (c. 285-86).
Carausius was put in command of a fleet based at Gesoriacum (moder Boulogne, France) with the task of protecting the Belgic and Armorican coast (northern France) from Frankish ad Saxon pirates.
Accused of complicity with the raiders, he escaped execution by revolting and occupying Britain (286-87).
Maximian attacked him in 289 but was defeated; for four years Carausius was left undisturbed. During this period he issued coins in the names of himself and "his brothers" meaning the joint emperors Diocletian and Maximian, but they did not return the compliment and probably they did not recognize him officially.
In 293 Maximian´s caesar, Constantius I Chlorus captured Gessoriacum (Boulogne). Shortly afterward Carausius was murdered by Allectus, one of his ministers.
Allectus succeeded him as usurping ruler in Britain.
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