Septimius Severus

Also Known As- Big Fat [Jerk].

 During the time of Marcus Aurelius, Septimius (african-born but having connections to Rome through consular cousins) was allowed entry into the senate.  He served his [quaestorship] in Sardinia, traveled to Africa as a [legate], and returned to Rome as a Tribune.

  As the empire passed from Marcus to Commodus, Septimius held a [praetorship], commanded a legion and held governorships.  He had two sons by his second wife Julia: Bassianus (a.k.a. Caracalla) and Geta.  He was a fairly busy guy.

  After the murder of Commodus and the assassination of [Pertinax] three months later, (which some speculate S.S. was a part of) it was only twelve days after Pertinax was dead that Septimius Severus was proclaimed emperor.

  He as known for restoring stability to the Roman Empire after the tumultuous reign of Commodus and the civil war that erupted after his murder.  He served eighteen years on the throne and was known for keeping control with [bloodiness].

  He transformed the authority of the state into a military dictatorship and got rid of the [Senate].  Also, during the time of S.S. is when we have some of the earliest recordings of Christian persecution.  He was well known for slaughtering martyrs.

 Probably as a result of S.S.'s reign, his dynasty was followed by 50 years of Anarchy under 20 different Emperors.

This is the arch of S.S. erected to celebrate the victory in war of S.S. and his sons against the Parthians. 

Back to Bekah Stuff