Sextus Julius Severus facts for kids

Gnaeus Minicius Faustinus Sextus Julius Severus was an accomplished Roman general of the 2nd century. He also held the office of suffect consul in the last three months of 127 with Lucius Aemilius Juncus as his colleague.

Biography

Julius Severus was born in Colonia Claudia Aequum, Dalmatia, today Čitluk, a small village in modern-day Bosnia-Herzegovina.

He served as Governor of Moesia; he was appointed Governor of Britain around 131.

In 133 and to circa 135, he was transferred to 14th legate of Judaea, to help suppress the Bar Kokhba revolt there. Because of his military reputation, historians have seen him as a troubleshooter, sent to troublesome provinces to bring peace through war and his presence has been taken as indication of unrest in Britain at the time. There is no archaeological evidence to suggest fighting in Britain under his governorship although a reference by the orator Fronto to many soldiers dying in Britain under Hadrian's reign may refer to trouble at this time.

"Soon [132], however, all Judaea had been stirred up, and the Jews everywhere were showing signs of disturbance ... Hadrian sent against them his best generals. The first of these was Julius Severus, who was dispatched from Britain, where he was governor, against the Jews." – Cassius Dio, History of Rome LXIX.xiii.1-2 - Epitome of Xiphilinus