Middle Roman Empire, Severan Dynasty, 21*Septimius Severus : Fulvius Plautianus, Britain

Gaius ¹⁵Fulvius Plautianus (c.55; fl.197-205)

¹⁵Fulvius Plautianus, like his kinsman Septimius Severus was a native of Leptis Magna, managed to obtain a position comparable with that of Sejanus. Pertinax chose him for distinction and under Severus his career flourished and his influence with the emperor became unrivalled. 

After serving as prefect of the city police (vigiles) he was appointed praetorian prefect in 196 and probably became sole prefect after his colleague Aemilius (21) Saturninus died in 200.Two years later, he further improved his position by marrying his daughter Fulvia Plautilla (c.25; fl.202-212) to Caracalla. Plautianus assisted Severus in administering the empire and became very wealthy and powerful. Severus made him his second in command. In 203 Plautianus was elected to the consulship, during which his image was minted on coins along with Severus’ second son Geta. 

Plautianus’ power was resented by Caracalla and his hostility was further increased by his arranged marriage to Plautilla. Finally, in January 205. Plautianus was accused of plotting to murder Severus and Caracalla. He was immediately executed and his name was erased from public monuments. Fulvia was banished and eventually killed on Caracalla’s orders in 212.

Britain (208-211)

After the defeat of Albinus (197), Severus sent a new governor Virius Lupus (45+; fl.196-205+) to Britain. On his arrival he discovered that a confederacy known as the Maeatae, who apparently lived in the Scottish Lowlands between the Hadrian and the Antonine walls, had gained a firm hold on part of the province. Unable to drive them out by force, and learning that Caledonians (tribes north of the Antonine), were likely to join them, he bribed them to withdraw.

Around this time the decision was taken to divide Britannia into two provinces: the southern part became Britannia Superior, with its governor based in London; whilst the north, including Hadrian’s Wall, became Britannia Inferior, with its capital (and sole legion) at Eboracum (=York). The two provinces were probably formalised around 213 by Caracalla.

In 208 the tribes were apparently advancing through Britain and more troops and/or the presence of the emperor was requested. Severus brought his two sons with him and preparations were made for the campaign. The fort at South Shields (Durham) was converted into a supply base as was the legionary base at Carpow (near Newburgh, Fife). After a successful conclusion to the campaign, Severus returned to the legionary fortress at Eboracum.

In summer 210 the Maeatae and the Caledonians revolted and preparations for another campaign were made, this time to be led by Caracalla. Severus remained in York due to illness and died in February 211. His death brought a rapid end to the campaign. Caracalla signed a treaty with the tribes and withdrew from their territory. Caracalla and his brother returned to Rome, the Scottish forts were abandoned, and Hadrian’s Wall became the frontier again.