Pescennius Niger
Gaius Pescennius Niger emerged from an old Italian equestrian family around the year 135. He was the first member of his lineage to achieve the rank of Roman senator, marking a significant social ascent for his household. Historical records suggest he may have held administrative positions in Egypt during his early years. He also served in a military campaign in Dacia early in the reign of Emperor Commodus. By the late 180s, Niger had been elected as a Suffect consul, a prestigious political office. This achievement paved the way for his appointment as imperial legate of Syria in 191. His rise from provincial administrator to governor of such a critical eastern province demonstrated his growing influence within the empire.
News of Pertinax's murder reached Syria while Niger was serving there as governor. The imperial title was subsequently auctioned off to Didius Julianus, sparking unrest across Rome. Citizens gathered in public demonstrations calling for Niger to claim the throne himself. Reports allege that Julianus dispatched a centurion to Antioch with orders to assassinate him. Despite this threat, the eastern legions proclaimed Niger emperor by the end of April 193. Upon his accession, he adopted the additional cognomen Justus, meaning "the Just." While Severus claimed Niger was the first rebel against Julianus, historical evidence shows Severus actually persisted in claiming the title on the 14th of April. Niger sent envoys to Rome to announce his elevation, but these messengers were intercepted by Severus before they could deliver their message.
Severus marched from Rome to the east, sending his general Tiberius Claudius Candidus ahead of him. Niger established Byzantium as his headquarters and tasked Asellius Aemilianus with defending the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara. In the fall of 193, Candidus met Aemilianus in battle at Cyzicus. This engagement resulted in a defeat for Niger's forces and the capture and death of Aemilianus. Byzantium then came under siege, forcing Niger to abandon the city and retreat to Nicaea. Another battle took place outside Nicaea in later December 193, which also resulted in a defeat for Niger. Nevertheless, Niger managed to withdraw the bulk of his army intact to the Taurus Mountains. He held the passes there for a few months while returning to Antioch. By the 13th of February 194, Egypt had declared for Severus, further diminishing Niger's chances of victory.
After replacing Candidus with Publius Cornelius Anullinus, Niger met Anullinus in battle at Issus in May 194. The struggle was long and hard-fought, but Niger was decisively defeated. Forced to retreat to Antioch, he attempted to flee to Parthia. While fleeing, Niger was captured by Severus' forces. He was subsequently beheaded, and his severed head was taken to Byzantium. The city refused to surrender despite this display. Eventually, Severus stormed and completely destroyed Byzantium before rebuilding it. Niger's head eventually found its way to Rome where it was displayed publicly. This brutal end marked the conclusion of his brief claim to imperial power during the Year of the Five Emperors.
The Historia Augusta relates that after his victory in the east, Severus punished Niger's supporters severely. It claims that Niger's wife and children were put to death while his estates were confiscated. However, Roman scholar Geoffrey Turton argues that Septimius refrained from vindictive reprisals. According to Turton, after Niger's death his family served no use as hostages and were allowed to live in retirement. They were supposed to play no further part in public affairs. Given the unreliability of the Historia Augusta, which often served as propaganda for succeeding emperors, Turton's account is considered more likely. The names of Niger's children are not mentioned in any sources, nor how many they were. Some historians previously believed medals bearing the inscription "Pescennia Plautiana Augusta" proved he had a daughter named Pescennia Plautiana, but these medals are now said to be forgeries.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
Who was Pescennius Niger and when did he live?
Gaius Pescennius Niger emerged from an old Italian equestrian family around the year 135. He served as Roman emperor from 193 to 194 during the Year of the Five Emperors.
How did Pescennius Niger become emperor in 193?
Eastern legions proclaimed Niger emperor by the end of April 193 after news of Pertinax's murder reached Syria while he served as governor there. Citizens gathered in public demonstrations calling for him to claim the throne following the auctioning of the imperial title to Didius Julianus.
When did Pescennius Niger die and how did his death occur?
Niger was captured by Severus' forces while fleeing to Parthia in May 194 and subsequently beheaded. His severed head was taken to Byzantium before eventually finding its way to Rome where it was displayed publicly.
Where did Pescennius Niger establish his headquarters during the civil war?
Niger established Byzantium as his headquarters and tasked Asellius Aemilianus with defending the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara. He later retreated to Nicaea and held passes in the Taurus Mountains before returning to Antioch.
What happened to the family of Pescennius Niger after his defeat?
Roman scholar Geoffrey Turton argues that Septimius Severus allowed Niger's wife and children to live in retirement without further part in public affairs. The names of Niger's children are not mentioned in any sources, nor is the number of them known.
All sources
5 references cited across the entry
- 1bookThe Historia Augusta: A Call of ClarityRonald Syme — R. Habelt — 1971
- 2bookThe Roman Empire from Severus to ConstantinePatricia Southern — Routledge — 2001
- 4bookDescriptive Catalogue of a Cabinet of Roman Imperial Large-brass Medals by Captain William Henry SmythWilliam Henry Smyth — Webb — 1834
- 5bookThe Numismatic Chronicle and Journal of the Royal Numismatic SocietyRoyal Numismatic Society — 1875