2015-12-04 Fri

The Year of the Five Emperors refers to the year 193 AD, in which there were five claimants for the title of Roman Emperor. The five were Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus.

Pertinax became emperor upon the assassination of Commodus on New Year’s Eve. Pertinax introduced reforms that benefited the empire. However, he was murdered after a rule of 86 days only. His short reign is marked by several achievements which made him famous in history.

Partinax was succeeded by Didius Julianus who was an emperor only for a short period of two months. Didius Julianus did not have a successful career. The people of Rome despised him, as he was held responsible for the death of Patrinax. Eventually, the Senate revoked the imperial power and proclaimed Severus the emperor.

Pescennius Niger was the third Emperor. He, previously, was the governor of Syria. He overthrew Didius Julianus and became the emperor. Niger was a well-known and well-liked figure to the Roman people. Despite his popularity among Romans, Pescennius Niger lacked both the strong loyalty of other senatorial commanders and the number of soldiers. Ultimately he was succeeded by Clodius Albinus.

Albinus controlled Britain and had power over Gaul and Spain. He eventually gained the title of Caesar. After he came to power he immediately attempted to defeat Septimius Severus. However, he was defeated and executed by Septimius Severus, who became the last Emperor.

Among the Five Emperors, Septimius Severus was on the throne for quite a long period. His reign lasted for almost 2 decades. During this time he consolidated security in the state and expanded the territory up to Asia Minor. By the year of 197 he was the sole emperor of Roman Empire. However he failed to capture Britain. He died due to long illness when he was on the campaign of Britain. Severus’ reign witnessed the implementation of reforms in both the provinces and the military which had long term consequences.

Coinage of the Five Emperors One of the notable contributions made by these emperors to the history is their coinage.They struck a large number of coins in gold, silver, and base metal. These rare coins of his have a high artistic value, with different denominations such as Denarius (silver,) Aureus (Gold), and Sestertius (Copper).

Considering that he ruled for just 87 days, The Coinage of Pertinax is remarkable: six issues of gold, 11 of silver and 14 in bronze or copper at Rome and also at Alexandria. The Alexandria issues were in the name of his wife and son.

Julianus issued coins honouring his wife and daughter. His most common reverse type is CONCORDIA MILITUM – “Consent of the Army.” In attempt to win over his main rival, he added the name “Severus” to his own name which is found in most of his coins.

His coins of Pescennius Niger were struck in Syria, Alexandria in Egypt and in Cappadocia. The coins were minted in haste as he wanted to make payments of his troops. Hence most of the coins show poor workmanship, blundered legends and many more defects.

The coins of Clodius Albinus were issued by Septimius Severus when Albinus was a Caesar. Thus, the portrait of Albinus is somewhat similar to that of the portrait of Severus. Coinage in the name of Albinus as Caesar included at least five types in gold, seven in silver and 10 in bronze.

The coins of Septimius Severus are vast in quantity and variety. His initial issues from 193 include a “Victory” aureus and a series of denarii to honor–and to pay–the 16 legions that eventually supported him.