Septimius Severus: The African Emperor

Anthony R Birley, Anthony R. Birley

Taylor & Francis, Jun 1, 2002 - History - 320 pages

In this, the only biography of Septimius Severus in English, Anthony R. Birley explors how 'Roman' or otherwise this man was and examines his remarkable background and career.
Severus was descended from Phoenician settlers in Tripolitania, and his reign, AD 193-211, represents a key point in Roman history. Birley explores what was African and what was Roman in Septimius' background, given that he came from an African city. He asks whether Septimius was a 'typical cosmopolitan bureaucrat', a 'new Hannibal on the throne of Caesar' or 'principle author of the decline of the Roman Empire'?

What people are saying

Review: Septimius Severus: The African Emperor (Key Guide)

User Review  - Colin - Goodreads

Although this book is, as far as I can tell, impeccably researched, it is nevertheless the *driest* biography I've ever read. Best to avoid this one unless you need it for reference - you know, when you *really* need the facts about the life and reign of Septimius Severus.

Review: Septimius Severus: The African Emperor (Key Guide)

User Review  - Matt Evans - Goodreads

So far so good. It goes into considerable detail on the Emperor who helped usher in the crisis of the third century.

About the author

Anthony R. Birley is Professor of Ancient History at Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf. He was previously Professor of Ancient History at Manchester University. His previous books include three on Roman Britain as well as biographies of Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Septimius Severus: The African Emperor; Roman Imperial Biographies
• Authors: Anthony R Birley, Anthony R. Birley
• Edition: 2, revised
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis, 2002
• ISBN: 0203028597, 9780203028599
• Length: 320 pages
• Subjects: History / Ancient / General