Septimius Severus Biography

Septimius Severus was a Roman emperor who converted the Roman government into a military monarchy and ruled from 193 to 211. He was born into a highly illustrious family of equestrian rank. Septimius’s father held no political position in the royal court, but two of his cousins did. Septimius ventured into a career in public service during his early years and worked during the reign of rulers such as Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. He continued to climb the ladder of success in the official positions over time and soon became interested in becoming the ruler of the Roman Empire. Emperor Pertinax was the ruler of the Roman Empire during the first 3 months of 193, and his death brought the best opportunity for Septimius to get a hold of the throne. That year was known as the “Year of Five Emperors,” as there were five claimants to the throne. Septimius defeated all four of his rivals and became the ruler of the Roman Empire. He was known as a strong ruler, as he sacked the Parthian Empire and the Garamantes Empire. He died in 211, during his expedition set to annex an area that is part of modern-day Scotland. His sons took to the throne, and the Severan Dynasty was formed. It was the last Roman Dynasty before the Crisis of the Third Century took place.