The New Student's Reference Work/Severus, L. Septimius

Severus, L. Septimius, a Roman emperor and a vigorous and courageous soldier, was born in Africa in 146 A. D. At the time of the murder of Pertinax (193) he was in command of an army in Pannonia and Illyria. At once proclaimed emperor, he marched on Rome, which was held by Julianus, who had obtained the throne by bribery. Julianus and the murderers of Pertinax were punished, one rival, Clodius Albinus, won by the gift of the title of Cæsar, the soldiers flattered by a rich largess, and a second rival conquered at Issus. A glorious campaign in the east and the three years' siege and capture of Byzantium were followed by a hard struggle with the jealous Clodius, whom he defeated near Lyons in 197. After the usual games to the citizens of Rome and largesses to the troops, he marched on the Parthians and took and plundered their capital. By 202 he was again in Rome, pleasing the people with shows of unheard-of magnificence and showering gold upon citizens and officers. In 208 he marched at the head of a large army to put down a rebellion in Britain, and repaired Hadrian's wall, which is often called after him. He died at York (Eboracum) on Feb. 4. 211.