Severan dynasty facts for kids

The Severan Tondo, showing Septimius Severus and his sons

The Severan dynasty was a family of Roman emperors who ruled the Roman Empire from 193 to 235 AD. This family's rule began with a Roman general named Septimius Severus. He became emperor after a big civil war in 193, a time known as the Year of the Five Emperors.

Even though Septimius Severus brought peace back after a difficult period, his family's rule was often troubled. There were problems within the family and constant political fights. This time period hinted at the bigger problems that would come later, known as the Crisis of the Third Century. The Severan dynasty was the last group of emperors to rule under the system set up by Augustus.

The Severan Emperors

Here are the main emperors from the Severan dynasty, with the dates they were in power:

• Septimius Severus (193–211): He was the founder of the dynasty. He worked hard to bring stability back to the empire.
• Caracalla (198–217): He was Septimius Severus's oldest son. He became emperor alongside his father and later ruled alone. He was known for being a very harsh ruler and for removing his younger brother.
• Geta (209–211): He was Septimius Severus's younger son. He ruled as a co-emperor with his father and then with his brother Caracalla. He was later removed by Caracalla.
• Macrinus (217–218): He was not part of the Severan family. He was the leader of the Praetorian Guard, the emperor's personal bodyguards. He became emperor after Caracalla.
• Elagabalus (218–222): He was a relative of the Severan family and became emperor as a teenager. He was known for his unusual religious practices. His own guards later removed him from power.
• Alexander Severus (222–235): He was Elagabalus's cousin and also became emperor as a teenager. He was considered one of the better rulers of this dynasty. He ruled well with the help of his smart mother. However, he faced challenges with wars against German tribes and was eventually removed by his soldiers.

The end of the Severan dynasty marked the beginning of a very difficult time for the Roman Empire, called the Crisis of the Third Century.

Images for kids

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  The Libyan emperor Septimius Severus, who started the Severan dynasty.

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  Caracalla and Geta, a painting by Lawrence Alma-Tadema (1907).

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  A special coin (aureus) from Septimius Severus, made in 202 AD. It shows Geta (right), Julia Domna (center), and Caracalla (left).

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  An aureus coin of Macrinus, celebrating the "generosity of the emperor."

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  An Aureus coin of Elagabalus, made in Antioch. It shows the sacred black stone of Emesus being brought to Rome.

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  Julia Soaemias, the mother of Emperor Elagabalus.

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  A bust of Severus Alexander, the last emperor of the Severan dynasty, found in Musée Saint-Raymond, Toulouse.

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  Alexander Severus's mother, Julia Avita Mamaea, who helped guide her son when he was young.

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Severa para niños