21 *SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (65; r.193-211):
In his early career 01Septimius Severus served as quaestor (170, 171), tribune (174), praetor (178), governor of Gallia Lugdunensis (186-189), governor of Sicily (189-190), consul (190) and governor of Pannonia Superior (191-193). In 187 he married 09Julia Domna (47; fl.187-217) and she gave him two sons: 02Septimius Bassianus, better known as Caracalla (29; fl.202-217) and Septimius (3) Geta (22; fl.209-211).
Severus, backed by all sixteen Rhine and Danube legions, proclaiming himself as avenger of Pertinax whose name he now assumed, being closer to Rome, immediately marched from his base in Carnuntum (east Austria). Sixty miles north of Rome the Senate recognized him as emperor; Julianus was murdered, and Severus entered Rome unopposed on 9 June.
The praetorians were dismissed and a new guard, twice as large was formed from the Danubian regions, three new legions (I, II and III Parthica) were raised and these, together with increases in the vigiles urbani (firefighters and police), urban cohorts and other units, radically enlarged the capital’s garrison. And army pay was raised for the first time since 84.
Septimius Severus’ Civil War (193-197), [1/12]
| Battle: Cyzicus | Claudius (38) Candidus/Asellius | autumn 193 |
| Battle: Nicaea | Claudius (38)/Pescennius Niger | autumn 193 |
| Battle: Issus | Cornelius (61)/Pescennius Niger | mid-194 |
| Battle: Lugdunum | Septimius Severus/Clodius (4) | 19.02.197 |
Septimius Albinus (usurper; r.193.04; 1/2)
Clodius (3) Septimius Albinus was governor of Pontus et Bithynia (175), fought in Dacia (182-183), was consul (187), governor of Germania Inferior (189) and governor of Britain (191-197). Severus, to free his hands to deal with Niger, declared Albinus to be caesar, a title that designated him as Severus’ successor to the throne. Albinus (probably hoping that he could become emperor if Niger defeated Severus) accepted the offer and thus (temporarily) became Severus’ ally.
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