19th February

Today, in 197, Severus Septimius finally defeated Clodius Albinus, securing his sole control over the Roman Empire as the Emperor Severus I.

After the assassination of the Emperor Commodus in 193, there followed a period of uncertain succession, referred to as 'The Year of the Five Emperors'. The first competitor, Pertinax, was murdered by the Praetorian guard after having reigned only 86 days. He was followed by Didius Julianus, who himself was condemned to death by the Senate after Severus arrived in Italy and took Rome without opposition. Meanwhile in Syria, the legions had proclaimed Pescennius Niger emperor. Severus moved East and crushed Niger in the Battle of Issus. Eventually matters came to a head when Severus declared Caracalla his heir - a move that antagonized Clodius Albinus, who Severus had previously made Caesar and thus impliedly his heir. Albinus was proclaimed emperor by his troops. He met Severus in the Battle of Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France). Albinus was crushed and killed. Severus gained complete control over the Empire, and founded the Severan dynasty which was to reign for 42 years.