Septimius Severus: The African Emperor

Paperback

Main Details

Title Septimius Severus: The African Emperor
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Anthony Birley
SeriesRoman Imperial Biographies
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback
Pages:320
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 156
Category/GenreEuropean history
ISBN/Barcode 9780415165914
ClassificationsDewey:937.07092
Audience
Undergraduate
Professional & Vocational
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Edition 2nd Revised edition
Illustrations 28 illustrations, 3 line figures, 25 b&w photographs

Publishing Details

Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint Routledge
Publication Date 11 March 1999
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

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'?

Author Biography

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.

Reviews

"In this excellent book, [Septimius Severus] is rehabilitated as an able if ruthless leader and a remarkable man."-"The Independent "A Surprisingly rich picture of the emperor's times."-Ramsey Macmillan, "Ancient History