Septimius Severus & the Roman Army

Severus' Reign and Military Campaigns

A detailed account of Severus'' reign with particular emphasis on his military campaigns against the Parthians and the Garamantes in North Africa.

Political Context and Rise to Power

The assassination of Emperor Commodus in 192 sparked a civil war. Septimius Severus emerged as the eventual victor and his dynasty (the Severans) ruled until 235.

Military Campaigns and Territorial Expansion

He fought numerous campaigns, against both internal rivals and external enemies, extending the Empire to the east (adding Mesopotamia), the south (in Africa), and the north (beyond Hadrian''s Wall).

Reforms and Military Strategy

The military aspects of his reign, including his reforms of the army, are the main focus of this new study.

Early Career and Major Campaigns

After discussing his early career and governorship of Pannonia, Michael Sage narrates his war with Pescennius Niger, the siege of Byzantium, and the campaign in northern Mesopotamia that added it as a province.

Campaigns in Gaul and North Africa

The much more difficult campaign against Clodius Albinus in Gaul is also studied in detail, as is that in North Africa.

Final Campaigns and Death

The narrative concludes with an account of the last campaign in Britain and Severus'' death.

Reforms and Legacy

The final chapters analyze Septimius'' reforms of the army and assess their impact on events of the next seventy years until the accession of Diocletian.

Personal Weaknesses and Legacy

His greatest weakness was his love for his family. Like Marcus Aurelius he loved his children too much. They failed to maintain what he had bequeathed them.

Critical Reception

Sage performs a masterful job putting Severus into a broad strategic overview of the times.

"Highly recommended to fans of the Roman Empire, and of the Roman Military, old and new alike. It is easily accessible and well written, and it features research of the highest quality." —Ancient Warfare