9. Bassianus was his first name, as it had been that of his
maternal grandfather. During his reign he assumed the
appellation of Antoninus, which is employed by lawyers and
ancient historians. After his death, the public indignation
loaded him with the nick-names of Tarantus and Caracalla.
The first was borrowed from a celebrated gladiator, the
second from a long Gallic gown which he distributed to the
people of Rome.