Septimius Severus

Lucius Septimius Severus (145-211 CE) became roman emperor after Commodus. He was followed by his two sons Caracalla and Geta.

Septimius Severus was born into a wealthy family in Leptis Magna in Africa. He became a senator and held posts in Sardinia, Spain, Gaul, Sicily and Pannonia. After the fall of Commodus several commanders were proclaimed emperor by the armies, and Septimius Severus had the support of the armies on the Rhine and Danube border. After a civil war Septimius Severus prevailed.

Septimius Severus ruled for 18 years, and the period was generally quiet, except for some problems on the eastern border. Septimius Severus died in York in 211.

Of major monuments there is the Arch of Septimius Severus on the Forum Romanum in Rome.