original_query: Why did Maesa and her family have to leave Rome and return to their hometown?
query: Why did Maesa and her family have to leave Rome and return to Emesa?
answer: After the murder of Emperor Caracalla and the usurpation of the throne by Macrinus, Macrinus ordered Maesa and her family to leave Rome and return to Emesa.  This was likely to avoid any actions that might be seen as disloyal to Caracalla's memory and prevent reprisals from the Roman army.