Septimus Severus,
African Ruler of Rome
Septimus Severus |
The birth of Septimus Severus in 145 A.D. is celebrated on April 26. He was a
North African General and Ruler of the Roman Empire.
From Leptis Magna in Tripolitinia, near the 1st Century city of Al Khums in
Libyia, Severus reigned as emperor from 193 to 211. His father was Publius
Septimus Geta and his mother was Fulvia Pia. Both his mother and father
descended from members of successful equestrian families who had strong
political ties.
Little is known about his early background or career, but Severus became
quaestor of Rome around 169 A.D. Shortly after becoming quaestor he married
Paccia Marciana ; a few years later she died, childless. He then became the
tribune of plebs in 174, and then praetor (early law professions) in 177. In 179
he went to Syria to serve as legal representative. Shortly after he was in
office he was removed. A major turning point occurred in 184 A.D. when he became
an imperial favorite.
Commodus (Ruler) appointed him as post governor of Gallia, under Lugdenensis. A
year later Commodus promoted him, making him governor of Sicily. Severus
remarried to Julia Domna, a Syrian noble woman. Julia gave birth to his two sons
Carracalla in 188 and Geta in 189. In 190 Severus became consul of Rome. Then in
192, Commodous was assassinated and Pertinax succeeded him. The Praetorian Guard
later killed Pertinax, because they did not agree with his visions for Rome.
Then the guard offered the emperorship to Didius Julianus. This greatly angered
Severus and many others who supported him. Out of his anger and with support
from his army he accepted his soldier’s salutation and began to march towards
Rome. He overcame all opposition, and in 193, seized control of Rome. Septimus
Severus died in 211 A.D.
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