Lucius Septimius Severus
Lucius Septimius Severus was a Roman emperor who ruled from 193 to 211 AD, renowned for his significant contributions to the expansion and military governance of the Roman Empire. Originally from Africa, he moved to Rome, where he cultivated important relationships with key political figures, facilitating his ascent through the ranks of Roman society. His early years in Tripolitania immersed him in Punic culture, which he later complemented with a formal education in Greek and Latin. Severus's political career began as a senator in 169 AD, followed by various military and administrative roles, including governorships in regions such as Gaul and the Danube.
His rise to power was marked by tumultuous civil wars during the 190s, leading him to march on Rome in 193 AD and ultimately seize control of the empire. Over his reign, he focused on military campaigns that expanded Roman territories, notably against the Parthians, where he secured Mesopotamia, as well as engagements with desert tribes and in Britain. Severus's era is characterized by the increased influence of the military in political affairs, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in Roman history.
Lucius Septimius Severus
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Emperor
Life
Lucius Septimius Severus (LEW-shee-uhs sehp-TIHM-ee-uhs suh-VIHR-uhs) moved from Africa to Rome, where he formed close friendships with the sons of Rome’s most important senators. His early exposure to Punic society in Tripolitania was later masked by his education in Greek and Latin language and culture. Severus became completely Italianized and would use his political connections to rise toward prominence.
Severus’s rise to power was steady. In December, 169 c.e., he became a Roman senator. Six years later, he was named tribune of the plebs and later served in Syria, the Middle East, and Africa under the proconsul and future emperor Pertinax. In the 180’s c.e., Severus was the governor of the principal military province on the Danube and later the governor of Gaul. However, the civil wars of the 190’s c.e., initiated by the killing of Emperor Pertinax, compelled Severus to secure his interests. In 193 c.e., he marched on Rome and seized political power. By 197 c.e., he had consolidated control of the empire. He spent the next fourteen years of his life expanding Rome’s overseas territories. He fought against the Parthians, gaining Mesopotamia, and against desert tribes beyond Tripolitania and the British.
Influence
Severus, the African emperor, greatly expanded Rome’s eastern territories and increased the role of the military in the governance of the empire.
Bibliography
Birley, Anthony R. Septimius Severus: The African Emperor. New York: Routledge, 1999.