Septimius Severus, Emperor
Lucius Septimius Severus, or more simply known as Septimius Severus, was a Roman general who ascended to the position of Roman emperor and reigned from April 9th, 193 AD to 211 AD.
Septimius Severus was born in Leptis Magna, on April 11th, 146 AD, which made him the first emperor to have been born in Africa. Leptis Magnais was located in what is now known as Libya and Tunisia, towards the southeast section of Carthage.
Many historians during that time, particularly the ones who advocated Pan-Africanism, have often referred to Severus as "the first black Roman emperor". This is not entirely accurate however as his Berber roots would probably have made him somewhat Mediterranean in appearance, possibly similar to what is now the commonly held image of Hannibal Barca.
The confusion may have stemmed from the ancient usage of the term "African" which during that period in time referred to the area that is now known as Tunisia and West Libya, instead of the African mainland that is the currently accepted usage.
Many artefacts that have survived from that period, among them coins, medallions and busts, further support the theory of Septimius Severus' appearance with numerous depictions of a clearly "Middle-eastern" as opposed to "African" man. Severus was not alone in being erroneously classified as an African; the Emperor Macrinus and Roman consul and general Lusius Quietus had also fallen prey to this historical inaccuracy.
Relatively little historical data is available on Septimius Severus' father, who was named Publius Septimius Geta. What is known is that he was descended from a wealthy and well-respected family of Berber origin, belonging to the equestrian class.
There is indication that he never entered into public service, although two of his cousins did serve under emperor Antoninus Pius in the role of consuls. His mother, who was named Fulvia Pia was of Roman lineage who could trace her roots back to Fulvius gens, a venerable and highly influential family, who relocated to North Africa from Italy.
Septimius Severus had two other siblings, Publius Septimius Geta and Septimia Pia. Another close relative of his was the Praetorian Guard and consul Gaius Fulvius Plautianus who was his maternal cousin.
Septimius Severus' rise to the top of Roman government began with an appointment to the senate, which was granted by the then emperor Marcus Aurelius in 172 AD. By 190 AD he had managed to attain the position of consul, and when Commodus assumed leadership of the throne, Severus was awarded command of the armies in Pannonia.
His final ascent to the position of emperor was occasioned by the murder of Pertinax in 193 AD and upon receiving the title he made his way to Italy and wrested command of Rome. Although a Syrian claimant to the throne named Pescennius Niger, challenged his authority, he was able to quell this dissent by first forming an alliance with Clodius Albinus, defeating Niger's forces and then later after a falling out with Albinus, assuming full control of the government.
Septimius Severus died in York on February 4th, 211 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 15/05/2008
