Septimio Severo

A descendant of Phoenician colonists settled in Tripolitania, Septimius Severus is a key emperor in the evolution of Roman history. Enigmatic and often controversial, he was the first African-born ruler to lead the Roman Empire, as well as being the founder of the Severan dynasty, and his reign (193-211 AD) marked a turning point. turning for the subjects of him. With his well-known analytical and disseminating abilities, Anthony Birley unravels the trajectory and complex figure of Septimius, how much was Roman in his origins, what his turbulent military and political career as a senator was like, and how he came to power and governed successfully a vast territory that would soon begin a decline.