Septimius Severus: First African Emperor
Septimius Severus was born in 145 CE in Leptis Magna, a prosperous city in Roman Africa (modern Libya). He was the first Roman emperor born in Africa — a fact his enemies never let him forget. As emperor he transformed the principate's relationship with the army. He raised soldiers' pay by about a third, permitted soldiers to form legal unions with local women and live outside camp with their families. He expanded the army to 33 legions and stationed one, the Legio II Parthica, permanently in Italy near Rome. He curtailed the Senate's role in provincial government and military command, replacing senatorial legates with equestrian officers. His marriage to Julia Domna, a Syrian noblewoman, introduced a powerful cultural influence: her intellectual salon attracted philosophers, scientists, and writers. He died at York in 211 CE while campaigning against the Caledonians.
- Year: 193 CE
- Category: Political
