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Septimius Severus and the Severans Flashcards

1
Q

What is notable about Septimius Severus’s autobiography?

A

It was written later in his life during his reign as emperor, offering a personal perspective on his life and rule.

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2
Q

Who was Herodian, and what did he contribute?

A

Historian (c. 170 - c. 240 CE) who wrote a narrative of the Roman Empire from Marcus Aurelius to his time.

Contemporary to Severus, providing eyewitness accounts and interviews with other eyewitnesses.

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3
Q

Why is Herodian’s work significant?

A

It is the best single narrative of the period

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4
Q

Who was Dio Cassius, and what makes his work important?

A

A contemporary historian (c. 155 - c. 235 CE).

Advisor to Severus and the Severan Dynasty.

His History of Rome includes summaries (Epitomes) of his original works

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5
Q

What challenges are associated with Dio Cassius’s writings?

A

Had to balance criticism of Severus with appeasing the regime to avoid censorship or destruction of his work.

His perspectives are sometimes inconsistent due to his dual role as critic and government participant.

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6
Q

What is the Historia Augusta, and how reliable is it?

A

A 4th-century source.

Considered less reliable over time but still useful for Septimius Severus.

Inferior in quality to Herodian and Dio Cassius.

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7
Q

What role did Galen play in relation to Severus?

A

A contemporary and famous physician.

Treated Severus, which likely influenced Galen’s favorable view of the emperor.

His writings are the most extensive surviving works from antiquity.

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8
Q

Who was Tertullian, and what was his significance?

A

A contemporary source involved in early Christianity.

Provides insight into Severus’s interactions with Christians during his reign.

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9
Q

Who assassinated Commodus, and how was it done?

A

Commodus was strangled in the bath by Narcissus, his wrestling partner, as part of a conspiracy led by Praetorian Prefect Amelius Litus and Electus, Commodus’ chamberlain.

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10
Q

Why was there no clear successor after Commodus’s death?

A

Commodus had no sons, leaving the empire without an emperor or heir

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11
Q

The senate had to choose a successor who was it?

A

Pertinax

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12
Q

What was Pertinax’s background?

A

Experienced Roman magistrate and politician

Consul twice and Urban Prefect (mayor of Rome)

Son of a Freedman

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13
Q

How did Pertinax’s background differ from earlier Roman emperors?

A

Pertinax came from non-aristocratic background

Rise signaled a broader evolution of who could become emperor

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14
Q

How did Pertinax respond to titles offered to his family?

A

He refused grand titles for his family, acknowledging his humble origins.

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15
Q

What were Pertinax’s reformist goals?

A

Redistribute unused land in Italy to the urban poor.

Many wealthy families owned unused land, which he wanted to put to productive use, benefiting both the poor and the government.

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16
Q

Why did Pertinax’s land reforms make him unpopular?

A

The Roman aristocracy, who owned much of the unused land, opposed his reforms.

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17
Q

What broader theme did Pertinax’s reign represent?

A

“Freeing the citizens from tyranny,” a return to normalcy after Commodus’s reign, echoed in Julio-Claudian propaganda.

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18
Q

What major financial issue undermined Pertinax’s reign?

A

Rome’s drained treasury after Commodus’s reign prevented him from addressing the deficit or paying a donative (12,000 sesterces per man) to the Praetorian Guard.

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19
Q

Why was Pertinax assassinated?

A

The Praetorian Guard, angy over the unpaid donative, assassinated him after three months.

This marked the first time Roman soldiers acted alone in deposing an emperor.

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20
Q

What significant event occurred after Pertinax’s assassination?

A

The Praetorian Guard “auctioned” the Roman Empire, offering it to the highest bidder.

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21
Q

Where did the auction of the empire take place?

A

At the steps of the Praetorian Camp in Rome.

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22
Q

Who were the two main bidders in the auction?

A

Tiberius Flavius Sulpicianus: Father-in-law of Pertinax and Urban Prefect of Rome.

Marcus Didius Julianus: A wealthy man previously exiled by Commodus.

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23
Q

Why is this event considered a low point in Roman history?

A

It symbolized the corruption and decay of the empire.

Dio Cassius described it as “a most disgraceful business” and “unworthy of Rome.”

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24
Q

What term describes this period as an all-time low in Roman history?

A

nater

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25
What does the auction of the empire reveal about the power of the Praetorian Guard?
The Praetorian Guard controlled imperial matters entirely. They prioritized greed and monetary gain over the merit of candidates.
26
How did Dio Cassius describe the Praetorian Guard’s selection process for emperors?
They did not evaluate individuals based on merit but chose based on the highest bidder.
27
What role did Didius Julianus’ wealth play in his rise to emperor?
His enormous bid during the auction allowed him to outbid Tiberius Flavius Sulpicianus and gain the throne.
28
What positions had Didius Julianus held before becoming emperor?
Suffect Consul (175 CE): Replacement consul. Proconsul of Africa: Governed an important Roman province.
29
Why was Didius Julianus disliked by the Senate?
He usurped their power to name emperors, which they had just exercised in selecting Pertinax. His reliance on the Praetorian Guard made Senate feel powerless
30
Why did the common people dislike Didius Julianus?
They resented his dependence on and empowerment of the Praetorian Guard. His promise of vast sums to the Guard seemed like a betrayal of Rome’s interests.
31
What notable public protest occurred against Didius Julianus?
A demonstration in the Circus Maximus, where the people expressed their outrage. The crowd called for Pescennius Niger, Governor of Syria, to oppose Julianus.
32
When was Pescennius Niger proclaimed emperor?
Less than two weeks after the death of Pertinax and the auction of the empire
33
Where was Pescennius Niger declared emperor?
In Syria, where he was the governor.
34
What is significant about Pescennius Niger’s proclamation as emperor?
He was the popular choice among the people of the region.
35
When was Septimius Severus proclaimed emperor?
Five days after Pescennius Niger, while governing the Province of Pannonia Superior
36
What military support did Septimius Severus have when he was proclaimed emperor?
The Danube army and the Rhine army, two of the largest sections of the Roman military.
37
Where was Septimius Severus born and what was his background?
Born in Leptis Magna (modern-day Libya). African descent; his family was of Punic rather than Roman origin but had been Roman citizens for about 100 years.
38
What does Septimius Severus' background indicate about the changing nature of Roman emperorship?
It demonstrates the greater diversity of who could become emperor, with provincial families becoming increasingly important.
39
Who was Clodius Albinus and what role did Septimius Severus give him?
Clodius Albinus was the governor of Britain and in control of three legions. Severus named him Caesar, which made him second in command.
40
Why did Septimius Severus name Clodius Albinus as Caesar?
Severus wanted to dilute Albinus' power after Albinus had been proclaimed emperor in Britain and Gaul following Pertinax’s death. By naming him Caesar, Severus gave him authority but maintained ultimate control.
41
Who were the main contenders for the position of Emperor of Rome?
Didius Julianus Septimius Severus Clodius Albinus Pescennius Niger
42
How did Septimius Severus secure his position as emperor?
He gained support from the Praetorian Guard in Rome and had Didius Julianus killed by them in June 193 CE without a battle.
43
What were Julianius last words?
“What evil have I done? Who have I killed?”
44
What was the significance of Severus' entry into Rome in 193 CE?
Severus entered Rome under arms, treating the city as conquered territory, despite Dio Cassius stating he entered as a civilian.
45
What did Severus promise to the Senate upon entering Rome, and how did he violate it?
He promised not to kill any senators but later violated this by executing several senators and individuals who had supported his rivals.
46
What actions did Severus take to consolidate power after becoming emperor?
He disbanded the Praetorian Guard, replaced them with his own loyal soldiers, and distributed money to the people and army for popularity.
47
How did Severus assert his legitimacy in 195 CE?
He claimed to be the son of Marcus Aurelius and adopted this title to associate himself with the Antonine dynasty, strengthening his position.
48
What happened between Severus and Clodius Albinus in 197 CE?
Severus defeated Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum, a major turning point for the empire, leading to Albinus' head being displayed in Rome.
49
What happened between Severus and Niger?
Severus defeauted Pescennius Niger at Battle of Issus Following the battle Niger's supports including individuals and cities were punished
50
What was Severus' approach to military and fiscal policies?
He raised new legions, increased pay for soldiers, and allowed them to collect war booty, while also reforming Egypt’s administration to be more fiscally responsible.
51
How did Severus treat Britain during his reign?
He launched a military campaign in Britain to address neglect and to toughen his sons, Caracalla and Geta, for future leadership.
52
What were Severus' final words to his sons?
“Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, and despise all the rest!”
53
What legacy did Severus leave regarding dynastic succession?
He wanted his sons to share power, though their co-rule ended tragically with Caracalla murdering Geta in 211 CE.
54
How did Severus secure the loyalty of his army?
He raised new legions, increased pay, and allowed soldiers to marry, all while maintaining discipline and limiting payouts to prevent mutiny.
55
How did Severus interact with the Senate?
He executed senators, incorporated new senators from Africa and Syria, and placed equestrians in charge of new legions, making him unpopular with the Senate.
56
What was Severus' stance on Roman citizenship?
He extended Roman citizenship, which angered the Roman aristocracy due to the increased access to offices and benefits.
57
How did Severus' military actions affect the provinces?
Severus fought civil wars, expanded the empire in the East, and reorganized provincial governance, notably in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
58
What were the main factors that helped Severus consolidate and legitimize his
His control over the army, strategic use of family associations (like Marcus Aurelius), and reforms to the Senate, provinces, and citizenship.
59
What was the role of provincials in the Severan period?
The rise of the provincials was part of a process rather than the result of blanket or conscious policies, as reflected in architecture like the Arch of Septimius Severus.
60
Where is the Arch of Septimius Severus located?
It is located in the Roman Forum, behind which is the Capitoline, the center of Roman religion.
61
What is commemorated by the Arch of Septimius Severus?
It commemorates Severus’ eastern campaigns
62
What inscriptions are found on the Arch of Septimius Severus?
The inscriptions list titles and achievements of Emperor Septimius Severus and his son Caracalla, emphasizing their restoration of the state and expansion of the empire.
63
How does the Arch of Septimius Severus compare to other Roman victory monuments?
Larger more extravagant than earlier arches
64
What is the Septizodium?
The Septizodium is a monumental facade built by Severus at the end of Domitian’s palace in Rome, possibly functioning as a gate.
65
Where is the Arch of Septimius Severus at Leptis Magna located?
It is located in Leptis Magna, Severus’ birthplace, and was built a year before the one in Rome.
66
Who was Julia Domna?
Julia Domna was the wife of Septimius Severus, daughter of a priest of the Roman sun deity Elgabal, and mother of Caracalla and Geta.
67
What was Julia Domna’s influence?
Julia Domna had significant influence over Severus’ policies, was a patron of philosophers, and impacted fashion, jewelry, and hairstyles.
68
How did Severus stabilize the Roman Empire?
Severus stabilized the empire after civil war, preserved the structure of the government, and expanded military power, although his rise led to a loss of Senate cooperation.
69
What were Severus' last words and what did they signify?
Severus’ last words, "I have been all things, and it has profited being nothing," reflect his introspective realization about his life and achievements, despite his power.
70
Who were Caracalla and Geta?
They were the sons of Septimius Severus. Caracalla became emperor after Severus' death, but Geta was killed early in their joint rule.
71
What was Caracalla's relationship with Severus like before he became emperor?
Caracalla plotted against Severus, even attempting to kill him once. However, Severus forgave him despite being unhappy with him.
72
How did Caracalla kill Geta?
Caracalla murdered Geta in his mother’s arms less than a year after becoming emperor.
73
What significant laws did Caracalla pass during his reign?
He passed the Constitutio Antoninia, granting citizenship to all freeborn people in the empire and increasing the military pay.
74
How did Caracalla die?
He was assassinated on April 8, 217 CE while on an Eastern campaign, allegedly killed by a soldier named Julius Martalius.
75
Who was Elagabalus and how did he become emperor?
Elagabalus was a boy claimed to be the son of Caracalla. After Macrinus' defeat, Elagabalus was acknowledged as emperor by the senate.
76
What religious changes did Elagabalus try to make during his reign?
He attempted to make the sun god Elagabal the primary deity of Rome, including trying to marry a Vestal Virgin, which was forbidden.
77
Who was Elgabalus forced to adopt?
His cousin Alexander Severus as his heir
78
How did Elagabalus die?
He was murdered on March 11, 222 CE due to his unpopularity with the senate, plebs, and the Praetorians.
79
Who was Alexander Severus and how did he come to power?
Alexander Severus was a young emperor adopted by Elagabalus. His reign was controlled by his mother, Avita Mamea, who sought to establish a senatorial regime.
80
How did Alexander Severus die?
He was assassinated in Mainz on March 19, 235 CE during a conspiracy by Maximinus.
81
What characterized the Crisis of the 3rd Century?
Period begins after end of Severan dynasty The period saw chaos, with 51 emperors contending for the throne and frequent military conflict. Power became decentralized, and Rome's importance declined.
82
What happened to the capitals of the Roman Empire during the 3rd Century Crisis?
Provincial imperial capitals emerged, and eventually, Constantinople became a central city under Diocletian.
83
What occurred during the Crisis of the 3rd Century regarding the empire's territory?
Much of the empire's territory was abandoned due to weakness, requiring a strong emperor to restore borders.
84
How were emperors associated with deities during the Crisis of the 3rd Century?
Emperors began associating themselves with specific gods, continuing a trend that started with figures like Commodus, who dressed as Hercules.

CS2480 (12 decks)

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