2020-03-19 Thu

Severus Alexander was Roman Emperor reigning from 222 to 235 and the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. His weak rule collapsed in the civil strife that engulfed the empire for the next 50 years.

Born between around 207 or 208, Severus Alexander became emperor when he was around 14 years old, making him the second-youngest emperor in Rome's history. His 13-year reign was the longest reign of a sole emperor since Antoninus Pius. As emperor, Alexander's peacetime reign was prosperous.

Alexander was assassinated on 19 March 235, together with his mother, in a mutiny of the Legio XXII Primigenia at Moguntiacum (Mainz) while at a meeting with his generals. His assassination marked the epoch event for the Crisis of the Third Century—nearly 50 years of civil wars, foreign invasion, and the collapse of the monetary economy.

The above shown gold Aureus was issued under his reign from Rome mint. The obverse of a coin represents laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right, seen from behind. The reverse of a coin engraved Mars advancing right, nude but for chlamys flying behind, transverse spear in the right hand, trophy in the leftover shoulder.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions