When and where was Septimius Severus born?
Lucius Septimius Severus drew his first breath on the 11th of April in 145 within the walls of Leptis Magna. This city sat in the Roman province of Africa, now known as Libya.
Questions about Septimius Severus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Septimius Severus become emperor in 193?
Legion XIV Gemina acclaimed him emperor at Carnuntum on April 9th after hearing news of Emperor Pertinax's death. Nearby units including X Gemina soon followed suit to support his claim against Didius Julianus.
What military reforms did Septimius Severus implement regarding the Praetorian Guard?
Upon taking power in 193, Septimius Severus discharged the old Praetorian Guard entirely and banned them from coming within seven hundred paces of Rome under penalty of death. He replaced them with ten new cohorts drawn from Danubian veterans loyal to him personally.
Where did Septimius Severus die and when?
Septimius Severus died on February 4th of 211 while withdrawing to Eboracum due to an infectious disease. His body was cremated there before being moved to Rome.
Why did Septimius Severus invade Britain in 208?
He traveled north to Britain with an army exceeding forty thousand men intending to conquer Caledonia beyond Hadrian's Wall. Archaeological evidence shows camps large enough to house such numbers existed during his stay.