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Severus, Lucius Septimius AD146-211
Roman emperor

The founder of the Severan dynasty, he was born near Leptis Magna in North Africa. After the murder of Publius Pertinax (AD193) he was proclaimed emperor, defeated two rivals (195-197), campaigned in the East, took Byzantium, and defeated the Parthians (197-99). At Rome (202) he entertained magnificently, and distributed extravagant largesse. In 208 he marched to northern Britain to strengthen the frontier. He repaired the fortifications on Hadrian's wall and was busy preparing a campaign into Scotland when he died at Eboracum (York). See also Alexander Severus.

Bibliography: Anthony Birley, Septimius Severus: The African Emperor (1972)