Caracal (Romanian pronunciation: [kaˈrakal] ⓘ) is a city in Olt County, Romania, situated in the historic region of Oltenia, on the plains between the lower reaches of the Jiu and Olt rivers.

While 19th century historians thought that the name of Caracal is linked to Roman emperor Caracalla, the current accepted etymology is that city's name is derived from the Cuman language kara kale meaning "Black fortress"[3] (kara, meaning "black", and kal, either from the Turkish kale, or the Arabic qal'at, both meaning fortress).

World War II and the communist regime brought changes to this region and to the city of Caracal.

During World War II a Nazi concentration camp was located near the city.

The town underwent major changes after the Nicolae Ceaușescu regime was overthrown by the December 1989 Revolution, with many factories collapsing under the pressure of privatisation.