Pescennius Niger of Syria
Pescennius Niger was a governor of Syria who was also an usurper to the Roman throne of Emperor for a period of less than a year, from 193 AD to 194 AD.
The name "Niger" which means "black" was given to him in order to differentiate him from another contender to the emperor's throne who was named Clodius Albinus ("Albinus" in turn was the word for "white").
Pescennius Niger was born sometime in the year 140 AD, although his exact date of birth is unknown. He was actually born of Italian descent, stemming from a family of renowned equestrians.
His Italian roots would have partially explained his surname as most Italians who lived during that time period were originally of Indo-European and Etruscan extraction and tended to be somewhat dark in skin colour. The "Niger" appellation therefore would probably have come from his complexion rather than from any ethnic background.
In any case, his name was somewhat appropriate given the prophecy by a priest of that period who decreed that a "black man" would make a claim for the throne of emperor and would subsequently meet a violent and bloody demise. Cassius Dio, in his Book 75, also repeatedly referred to him as the "black man" and as a result, many people continued to refer to Pescennius Niger by that name.
His rise to the position of emperor of Rome was brought about by the proclamation of the eastern legions after the death of Pertinax. While he enjoyed the support of many wealthy provinces, he fell before the onslaught of Septimius Severus' armies and was killed while attempting to seek refuge in Parthia. He died in the year 194 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 22/07/2008
