Septimius Severus

INC-1568-a Ауреус Септимий Север ок. 196-197 (аверс)

Error creating thumbnail:

Septimius Severus - Münzkabinett, Berlin - 5479502

Error creating thumbnail:

Carole Raddato (13543792233)

Septimius Severus Glyptothek Munich 357

Error creating thumbnail:

Julia Domna Glyptothek Munich 354

Error creating thumbnail:

0205 Altes Museum Septimius Severus anagoria

Septimius Severus (11 April 145 – 4 February 211), also known as Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax, was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 193 until his death in 211. He was born in Leptis Magna, in the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis (modern-day Libya). Severus climbed the military ranks before seizing power after the death of Emperor Pertinax in a period known as the Year of the Five Emperors. His reign marked the beginning of the Severan Dynasty, which would rule the Roman Empire until 235.

Early Life

Septimius Severus was born into a wealthy, politically active family. His father, Publius Septimius Geta, was a senator, and his mother, Fulvia Pia, was from a prominent family. Severus received a traditional education, focusing on Latin and Greek literature, and pursued a political career in Rome, holding various offices before entering the Senate.

Rise to Power

The assassination of Emperor Commodus in 192 led to a brief period of instability, culminating in the murder of Severus's predecessor, Pertinax. Severus, then governor of Pannonia, marched on Rome with his legions, declaring himself emperor. His claim was contested by Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger in the East, and Clodius Albinus in Britain. Severus secured his position by defeating Niger in 194 and Albinus in 197, consolidating his control over the empire.

Reign

Severus sought to strengthen and centralize the Roman government. He increased the size of the Roman army and rewarded soldiers with pay raises, securing their loyalty. This military-focused policy significantly increased the empire's expenditures. Severus also implemented legal reforms, including the extension of Roman citizenship and the modification of laws to benefit the lower classes.

One of his notable campaigns was in Caledonia (modern-day Scotland), where he aimed to expand Roman territory beyond the Antonine Wall. Although initially successful, the campaign ultimately did not result in significant territorial gains. Severus died in 211 at Eboracum (modern-day York, England) while preparing to continue the campaign. His last words were reportedly advice to his sons, Caracalla and Geta, to "Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, and scorn all other men."

Legacy

Severus's reign is often seen as a period of stability and military expansion, but it also marked the beginning of the empire's reliance on the military at the expense of the Senate's power. His policies, particularly those favoring the army, would have long-lasting effects on the Roman state's structure and its finances. The Severan Dynasty, including his sons and successors, Caracalla and Geta, and later emperors Elagabalus and Alexander Severus, continued his policies until the dynasty's end in 235, which led to a period of increased military and political instability known as the Crisis of the Third Century.