Exam 17: The Severan Dynasty

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Septimius Severus, who reigned as Roman Emperor from 193 to 211 AD, employed several strategies to emphasize the legitimacy and stability of his family's rule during a period of significant political upheaval known as the Year of the Five Emperors.

1. **Dynastic Marriage**: Severus strengthened his claim to the throne through his marriage to Julia Domna, a Syrian noblewoman from a priestly family, which helped to consolidate his power and establish a dynasty. This marriage also connected him to the region of Syria, which was an important and wealthy part of the empire.

2. **Propaganda and Coinage**: Severus used propaganda to promote his family's image. He minted coins that depicted his family, including his wife and sons, Caracalla and Geta, which were circulated throughout the empire. These coins often bore messages of stability, victory, and divine favor, suggesting that the Severan dynasty was destined to rule and had the support of the gods.

3. **Association with the Divine**: Severus claimed descent from the Trojan hero Aeneas, and thus from the goddess Venus, to link his family with the divine and the mythical founders of Rome. He also associated himself with the god Jupiter, the chief deity of the Roman pantheon, to further legitimize his rule.

4. **Military Support**: Severus secured the loyalty of the Roman army by granting soldiers significant pay raises and ensuring that the military was well-funded. This support was crucial for maintaining his power, as the military was a key player in the politics of the empire.

5. **Legal Reforms**: He enacted legal reforms and took on the role of a lawmaker, which helped to stabilize the empire and assert the authority of his administration. By improving the legal system, Severus aimed to show that his rule brought about a return to order and justice after a period of civil war and chaos.

6. **Public Building Projects**: Severus initiated numerous building projects, including the restoration of many structures in Rome that had been damaged in the civil wars. He also constructed new buildings, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus in the Roman Forum, which celebrated his victories and served as a lasting monument to his family's greatness.

7. **Elimination of Rivals**: To secure his family's position, Severus eliminated potential rivals. After defeating his last rival, Albinus, he purged the senatorial ranks of Albinus's supporters, which helped to consolidate his power but also instilled fear and discouraged opposition.

8. **Succession Planning**: Severus carefully planned for the succession of his sons, Caracalla and Geta, to ensure the continuity of the Severan dynasty. He elevated them to the rank of Augusti, co-emperors, during his lifetime, which was meant to signal that his family would continue to rule after his death.

Through these methods, Septimius Severus sought to establish the legitimacy and stability of his family's rule, creating a dynasty that would last until 235 AD, when the last Severan emperor was overthrown, marking the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century.