Septimius Severus

L. Septimius Severus (193-211)

• From Leptis Magna
  • Punic settlement in N. Africa
  • Romanized only in early first century
• Postumously adopts himself into family of M. Aurelius
• Generally disliked in sources
  • Cruel, brutal
  • Major executions, confiscations of those who supported his rivals
  • Advice to sons: "Please the soldiers, screw the rest."
  
• Annexes territory in n. Mesopotamia (198)
  • Seeks prestige
  • Troops show signs of baulkiness
  • Annexation causes long-term conflict on eastern border
• Dies campaigning in Britain