Septimius Severus Accomplishments

Septimius Severus exemplified qualities that, by far, made him the greatest military emperor Rome had ever witnessed after coming to power in 193 CE. After decades of weak rulers that resulted in Roman vulnerability, Severus seized the position of emperor with the aim of returning Rome to its former glory. He was a man of the people, continually appeasing the Romans with numerous sacrifices and gladiatorial games. He even greatly represented the army through his countless military reforms and expeditions. Unfortunately, Severus was continuously undermined by a jealous Senate, who never understood the plans Severus had for the empire. Truly a visionary leader, Severus astutely restored stability to Rome, represented the Roman army and people,

The preceding emperor, Didius Julianus, had illegitimately bought his way to the crown by inducing the Praetorian Guard to assassinate their former leader, Pertinax. Upon hearing of this, Severus was rightfully angered by the disloyalty of the Praetorian Guard and gained the trust of his army to seize back Rome, becoming sole ruler himself. Upon reaching the city, Severus was prepared for a civil war, but he discovered that Julianus had been betrayed by all; the Senate, the Roman people, and the Praetorian Guard had each declared Septimius Severus sole emperor of Rome. Didius Julianus was later rightfully executed, ending the succession of weak emperors. As emperor, Severus’ next step was to rid Rome of its cancer, the disloyal Praetorian Guard. Severus invited the Praetorian Guard to join him at a celebration unarmed; however, once they arrived, he gave a speech condemning the soldiers for their treachery and had them surrounded and killed. Now, Septimius Severus was able to replace these unfaithful soldiers with his own, devoted Praetorian

He did this through his crucial military reforms and numerous festivals and sacrifices for the people. After conquering Rome, Severus gained the support of the people through his staged shows and sacrifices, and he rewarded his soldiers lavishly. During his rule, he passed innumerable necessary military reforms that had never even been introduced before his time. Severus became the first emperor to increase soldiers’ food rations, change their harsh diets, allow them to live with their wives, and introduce fancier living. Because of these vital reforms, many civilians in the empire relied on the army for a stable career. After returning from every campaign, Severus would reward the Romans with expensive sacrifices. The sacrificed animals were considered exotic, coming from foreign lands. He also held the Secular Games where the greatest actors and athletes were summoned from throughout the Empire to