Septimius Severus

A native of Leptis Magna in North Africa, Septimius Severus seized power in a three-way civil war and founded the Severan dynasty. He expanded the army, increased military pay, and favoured the legions over the Senate, telling his sons on his deathbed to 'enrich the soldiers and scorn everyone else.'

Septimius Severus militarized the principate, increasing the army's size and pay while openly basing imperial power on military force rather than senatorial consent. His dynasty would rule for four decades and permanently alter the relationship between emperor, army, and state.

Key Events

193 AD Proclaimed emperor by the Danubian legions; marched on Rome

194 AD Defeated rival Pescennius Niger at the Battle of Issus

197 AD Defeated Clodius Albinus at Lugdunum (Lyon) in a bloody battle

197 AD Sack of Ctesiphon; successful Parthian campaign

208 AD Invaded Caledonia (Scotland) with a massive army

211 AD Died at Eboracum (York) during the British campaign

Coinage

Severan coinage is abundant and reflects the dynasty's military character. The denarius was significantly debased under Septimius Severus, and the dynastic propaganda featuring his wife Julia Domna and sons Caracalla and Geta is a prominent theme across all denominations.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

PART MAX types for Parthian victory
ADVENT AVGG types
Family group types with Julia Domna, Caracalla, and Geta
VICTORIAE BRIT types

Common Reverses

PART MAX FVNDAT PAC ADVENT AVGG RESTITVTOR VRBIS VICTORIAE BRIT INDVLGENTIA AVGG IN CARTH

Active Mints

Rome Laodicea ad Mare Emesa Alexandria

Key Events

Coinage

Related Resources

Further Reading