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On June 1, 193, Roman Emperor Didius Julianus was assassinated. From the article:
"Didius Julianus
Didius Julianus was Roman emperor from March to June 193 CE. On March 28, 193 CE Roman Emperor Pertinax was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard, and like his predecessor Commodus, he left no apparent successor. Two possible claimants presented themselves to the Guard. These “protectors” of the imperial throne had vowed that no new emperor would be chosen without their approval and an “auction” ensued, following which, the throne was finally awarded to the highest bidder - Didius Julianus, a former commander, governor, and consul.
Early Life
Marcus Didius Julianus was born on January 30, 133 CE to Quintas Petronius Didius Severus of Milan and Aemilia Clara. He was raised in the home of Marcus Aurelius’s mother, Domitia Lucilla. The educational advantages he received there enabled him to rise through the imperial ranks and become a successful commander in Germany, the governor of Lower Germany, and, during the time of Emperor Pertinax, a senator and co-consul. Unfortunately, his career briefly stalled when he and several other commanders were recalled to Rome by Emperor Commodus, and he was forced to temporarily retire. Although no proof exists, it was suggested that he may have been part of the conspiracy to assassinate the fallen emperor.
With the death of Emperor Pertinax, Julianus decided to use his vast wealth to buy the throne, outbidding the prefect of Rome and Pertinax’s father-in-law, Titus Flavius Suspicianus. To further secure his claim, he convinced the Guard that Titus might seek revenge for the death of his son-in-law. In his Roman History, Cassius Dio spoke of the auction, “Didius Julianus, at once an insatiable money-getter and wanton spendthrift …always eager for revolution and hence had been exiled by Commodus…when he heard of the death of Pertinax, hastily made his way to the camp, and, standing at the gate of the enclosure, made bid to the soldiers for the rule over Rome.”
He...occupied his time in luxurious living and profligate practices. Herodian
In his The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon also wrote about the auction, “This infamous offer, the most insolent excess of military license, diffused as universal grief, shame and indignation throughout the city. It reached at length the ears of Didius Julianus.” Yet, according to Gibbon, it was not personal ego but his wife and daughter’s suggestion that convinced him to pursue the throne. Gibbon added that as the Guard carried Julianus through the streets to the Senate, they paraded a man “whom they served and despised.” Herodian, in his History of the Roman Empire, spoke of Julianus’s reception by the people of Rome. “No one, however, shouted the congratulations usually heard when emperors were accompanied by a formal escort; on the contrary, the people stood at a distance, shouting curses and reviling Julianus bitterly for using his wealth to purchase the throne.”
Didius Julianus as Emperor
As with Pertinax, Julianus knew he needed to maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard to remain on the imperial throne - something he would be unable to do. It wasn’t long before the new emperor had to admit that he was not as wealthy as he had claimed and that there was little if any money in the treasury. Unfortunately for Julianus, his purchase of the throne made him unpopular with both the Senate and people, and with the loss of the Guards' support, his days on the throne were numbered. He also fared no better when he eventually assumed his new responsibilities. According to Herodian, “He regarded his duties to the state as of no consequence and occupied his time in luxurious living and profligate practices.”
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus by Carole Raddato (CC BY-SA)
Almost immediately after Julianus assumed his new duties, three commanders voiced their intentions to secure the throne from him; all three stated he had been chosen by Pertinax as his successor. The first to declare his intent was Gaius Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria and the preferred choice of many in Rome. Although he was named emperor by his troops (he even selected Antioch as his capital), he chose to wait for his march on Rome until he could muster more support - he only had four legions at his disposal. Next came Decimus Clodius Albinus, governor of Britain, to declare his intentions; however, he did so with the support of only three legions. Lastly, there was Lucius Septimius Severus, governor of Pannonia Superior, a province on the Danube. He appeared to be the strongest of the three candidates with 16 legions - the entire Rhine/Danube army.
Septimiius Severus as Emperor
On April 9, 193 CE, with the full support of his army, Serverus declared himself emperor at Carnuntum. After gaining (or buying) the backing of Albinus, he marched southward to Rome. In desperation Emperor Julianus ordered the Guard to construct fortifications to defend the city against Severus, but they refused. Next, Julianus asked the Senate to name Severus as co-consul; they, too, refused. Gibbon wrote, “…in the invincible and rapid approach of the Pannonian legions, he saw his inevitable doom.” On June 1, 193 CE Julianus was sentenced to death by the Senate, and, while he had yet to enter the city, Severus was recognized as the new emperor. An assassin was sent to Julianus’s home, and finding him alone, stabbed and beheaded him. The former emperor’s last words were, “But what evil have I done. Whom have I killed?” His death would mark the end of the second emperor in the “Year of the Five Emperors.”
Unfortunately for Julianus and posterity, little is known of his accomplishments while on the throne. Most historians are restricted to comments on the manner in which he obtained power and the ignoble way he lost it."
"Didius Julianus
Didius Julianus was Roman emperor from March to June 193 CE. On March 28, 193 CE Roman Emperor Pertinax was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard, and like his predecessor Commodus, he left no apparent successor. Two possible claimants presented themselves to the Guard. These “protectors” of the imperial throne had vowed that no new emperor would be chosen without their approval and an “auction” ensued, following which, the throne was finally awarded to the highest bidder - Didius Julianus, a former commander, governor, and consul.
Early Life
Marcus Didius Julianus was born on January 30, 133 CE to Quintas Petronius Didius Severus of Milan and Aemilia Clara. He was raised in the home of Marcus Aurelius’s mother, Domitia Lucilla. The educational advantages he received there enabled him to rise through the imperial ranks and become a successful commander in Germany, the governor of Lower Germany, and, during the time of Emperor Pertinax, a senator and co-consul. Unfortunately, his career briefly stalled when he and several other commanders were recalled to Rome by Emperor Commodus, and he was forced to temporarily retire. Although no proof exists, it was suggested that he may have been part of the conspiracy to assassinate the fallen emperor.
With the death of Emperor Pertinax, Julianus decided to use his vast wealth to buy the throne, outbidding the prefect of Rome and Pertinax’s father-in-law, Titus Flavius Suspicianus. To further secure his claim, he convinced the Guard that Titus might seek revenge for the death of his son-in-law. In his Roman History, Cassius Dio spoke of the auction, “Didius Julianus, at once an insatiable money-getter and wanton spendthrift …always eager for revolution and hence had been exiled by Commodus…when he heard of the death of Pertinax, hastily made his way to the camp, and, standing at the gate of the enclosure, made bid to the soldiers for the rule over Rome.”
He...occupied his time in luxurious living and profligate practices. Herodian
In his The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon also wrote about the auction, “This infamous offer, the most insolent excess of military license, diffused as universal grief, shame and indignation throughout the city. It reached at length the ears of Didius Julianus.” Yet, according to Gibbon, it was not personal ego but his wife and daughter’s suggestion that convinced him to pursue the throne. Gibbon added that as the Guard carried Julianus through the streets to the Senate, they paraded a man “whom they served and despised.” Herodian, in his History of the Roman Empire, spoke of Julianus’s reception by the people of Rome. “No one, however, shouted the congratulations usually heard when emperors were accompanied by a formal escort; on the contrary, the people stood at a distance, shouting curses and reviling Julianus bitterly for using his wealth to purchase the throne.”
Didius Julianus as Emperor
As with Pertinax, Julianus knew he needed to maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard to remain on the imperial throne - something he would be unable to do. It wasn’t long before the new emperor had to admit that he was not as wealthy as he had claimed and that there was little if any money in the treasury. Unfortunately for Julianus, his purchase of the throne made him unpopular with both the Senate and people, and with the loss of the Guards' support, his days on the throne were numbered. He also fared no better when he eventually assumed his new responsibilities. According to Herodian, “He regarded his duties to the state as of no consequence and occupied his time in luxurious living and profligate practices.”
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus
Roman Emperor Septimius Severus by Carole Raddato (CC BY-SA)
Almost immediately after Julianus assumed his new duties, three commanders voiced their intentions to secure the throne from him; all three stated he had been chosen by Pertinax as his successor. The first to declare his intent was Gaius Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria and the preferred choice of many in Rome. Although he was named emperor by his troops (he even selected Antioch as his capital), he chose to wait for his march on Rome until he could muster more support - he only had four legions at his disposal. Next came Decimus Clodius Albinus, governor of Britain, to declare his intentions; however, he did so with the support of only three legions. Lastly, there was Lucius Septimius Severus, governor of Pannonia Superior, a province on the Danube. He appeared to be the strongest of the three candidates with 16 legions - the entire Rhine/Danube army.
Septimiius Severus as Emperor
On April 9, 193 CE, with the full support of his army, Serverus declared himself emperor at Carnuntum. After gaining (or buying) the backing of Albinus, he marched southward to Rome. In desperation Emperor Julianus ordered the Guard to construct fortifications to defend the city against Severus, but they refused. Next, Julianus asked the Senate to name Severus as co-consul; they, too, refused. Gibbon wrote, “…in the invincible and rapid approach of the Pannonian legions, he saw his inevitable doom.” On June 1, 193 CE Julianus was sentenced to death by the Senate, and, while he had yet to enter the city, Severus was recognized as the new emperor. An assassin was sent to Julianus’s home, and finding him alone, stabbed and beheaded him. The former emperor’s last words were, “But what evil have I done. Whom have I killed?” His death would mark the end of the second emperor in the “Year of the Five Emperors.”
Unfortunately for Julianus and posterity, little is known of his accomplishments while on the throne. Most historians are restricted to comments on the manner in which he obtained power and the ignoble way he lost it."
Didius Julianus
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The Man Who Bought the Roman Empire: Didius Julianus
Didius Julianus was a man with great ambition who managed to seize an opportunity to take control of an empire, this video explores his rise to power. Source...
Thank you my friend SGT (Join to see) for making us aware that on June 1, 193, Roman Emperor Marcus Didius Severus Julianus was assassinated after serving as Roman emperor from March 29, 193 until he was sentenced to death by the Roman Senate on June 1, 193.
The Man Who Bought the Roman Empire: Didius Julianus
Didius Julianus was a man with great ambition who managed to seize an opportunity to take control of an empire, this video explores his rise to power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c88n16c_1X0
Images:
1. Bust of Marcus Didius Julianus
2. Didius Julianus bust in the Vatican Museum
3. Manlia Scantilla, wife of Didius Julianus
4. 193 Marcus Didius Julianus AU Aureus
Background from {[https://www.livius.org/articles/person/didius-julianus/]}
Marcus Didius Severus Julianus was born as the son of Quintus Petronius Didius Julianus and Aemilia Clara. They were living in northern Italy, in Milan, an important center of trade and learning with the status of colonia. The birthday of the young men is not precisely known: the historian Cassius Dio says it was on 30 January 133, the collection of biographies known as the Historia Augusta, implies 2 February 137 (which is less likely).note
According to this same source, Didius Julianus was educated in the household of Domitia Lucilla, the mother of the crown prince Marcus Aurelius.note It seems that she supported the young man's early career, so that he could serve as decemvir stlitibus iudicandis at the normal age (about 18). This juridical office was a common start for the career of a young senator. When he was twenty, he served as tribune in a legion and was quaestor in c.157, one year before attaining the official minimum age. He must have received this honor due to support of Domitia Lucilla.
Still according to the Historia Augusta, Marcus Aurelius saw to Didius Julianus' appointment to aedile (c.160), and when he had become emperor (161) made him praetor (c.163).note A few years later, Didius Julianus served as assistant of the governor of Asia. After his term in office, he assisted the governor of Africa (168-169?). In 170-171, he was commander of XXII Primigenia a legion that guarded the Rhine at Mainz.note
At this stage in his career, Didius Julianus ought to have been made consul. We do not known why this did not happen, unless he had fallen into disfavor. Perhaps it is noteworthy that the three offices mentioned in the preceding section were without risk. The empire was fighting wars in the east and on the Danube, but not in Africa, Asia or the Rhine frontier (but see below).
General
The next appointment, as governor of Gallia Belgica, fits the picture:note it was honorable but he was kept away from the really important offices. However, there was an opportunity to prove his value. In 173, the Chauci, a Germanic tribe that lived along the shores of the Wadden Sea and had a reputation for piracy, unexpectedly invaded the country that is now called Flanders. Archaeologists doing research in the region of the river Scheldt have shown that this was not a minor incursion, but a far more serious matter. Large farms near Tournai were abandoned, the same happened to the village Velzeke (near Gand), and Arras was burnt down. The capitals of the Morini and Nervians, Thérouanne and Bavay, had to be rebuilt in the last quarter of the second century.
Didius Julianus rose to the occasion. He recruited troops in his province and attacked the invaders. One fortified camp has been excavated near Maldegem (east of Bruges), and can dendrochronologically be dated to 173. It offered accommodation to a squadron of Tungrian cavalry, which must have been among the auxiliary troops of Didius Julianus. He defeated the invaders and must have been the man who advised Marcus Aurelius to build forts along the coast of the North Sea. This was the beginning of the group of defense works along the Strait of Dover that became known as the litis Saxonicum.
The Historia augusta also mentions a victory over the Chatti,note which is not very probable and may be a writing error (Chatti instead of Chauci). Another explanation is that Didius Julianus defeated this Germanic tribe when he was commander of XXII Primigenia, because this legion was stationed at Mainz, directly opposite the Chatti.
Didius Julianus was now immediately made consul (in 175)note - by no means early for one who had been brought up in the household of the mother of the emperor: he was forty-two years old. His colleague was Publius Helvius Pertinax, another successful general. It is probable that both men held their high office in absentia and resided at the imperial court, which was at this traveling from the Danube, where Marcus Aurelius had been fighting an enormous war against the Marcomanni, to the east, which the emperor wanted to inspect after a brief and unsuccessful rebellion in the spring (led by Avidius Cassius).
After his consulate, Didius Julianus was made governor of Dalmatia. This was an assignment of some importance, because Dalmatia was the hinterland of the war zone along the Danube. Almost certainly, Didius Julianus played a role in the provisioning of the armies. He also was active in the suppression of brigandage in Montenegro and Albania (176-180).
Having done this job, he was made governor of Germania Inferior, adjacent to the war zone where he had fought against the Chauci (180-184/185). Didius Julianus was now responsible for two legions (I Minervia in Bonn and XXX Ulpia Victrix in Xanten) and was one of the most important generals in the empire. It is possible that he oversaw the construction of the forts along the coast. One building can with absolute certainty be dated during his governorship: the praetorium at Cologne, the office of the governor, was renovated. He may also have been involved in the reconstruction of forts at Valkenburg and Zwammerdam.
He was now recalled to Rome, where he was made prefect and became responsible for the financial support of children. For one who had fought successful wars, this was a demotion. It is possible that Didius Julianus had to some extent been involved in the conspiracy against Commodus, because he was accused. However, the emperor seems to have been content now that Didius Julianus was removed from his soldiers. In his new office, he was succeeded by Pertinax, and in the mid-180s we meet Didius Julianus as governor of Bithyniae et Pontus. In 189-190, he was governor of Africa (where he succeeded Pertinax): honorable offices for honorable men, but far away from the legions.
And so it looked as if Didius Julianus' career had ended. It had been a complete success: he had been consul, he had been governor of several provinces, among which were Africa (the richest province in the Roman empire) and Germania Inferior (with two legions). His military successes, however, had made him suspect."
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SP5 Mark KuzinskiSSG Chad Henning PO2 (Join to see)1SG Walter Craig SPC Matthew Lamb SPC Nancy GreeneSSG Franklin Briant1stsgt Glenn Brackin Sgt Kelli Mays TSgt George RodriguezSGT Jim ArnoldMSG Andrew White Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SGT Steve McFarland
The Man Who Bought the Roman Empire: Didius Julianus
Didius Julianus was a man with great ambition who managed to seize an opportunity to take control of an empire, this video explores his rise to power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c88n16c_1X0
Images:
1. Bust of Marcus Didius Julianus
2. Didius Julianus bust in the Vatican Museum
3. Manlia Scantilla, wife of Didius Julianus
4. 193 Marcus Didius Julianus AU Aureus
Background from {[https://www.livius.org/articles/person/didius-julianus/]}
Marcus Didius Severus Julianus was born as the son of Quintus Petronius Didius Julianus and Aemilia Clara. They were living in northern Italy, in Milan, an important center of trade and learning with the status of colonia. The birthday of the young men is not precisely known: the historian Cassius Dio says it was on 30 January 133, the collection of biographies known as the Historia Augusta, implies 2 February 137 (which is less likely).note
According to this same source, Didius Julianus was educated in the household of Domitia Lucilla, the mother of the crown prince Marcus Aurelius.note It seems that she supported the young man's early career, so that he could serve as decemvir stlitibus iudicandis at the normal age (about 18). This juridical office was a common start for the career of a young senator. When he was twenty, he served as tribune in a legion and was quaestor in c.157, one year before attaining the official minimum age. He must have received this honor due to support of Domitia Lucilla.
Still according to the Historia Augusta, Marcus Aurelius saw to Didius Julianus' appointment to aedile (c.160), and when he had become emperor (161) made him praetor (c.163).note A few years later, Didius Julianus served as assistant of the governor of Asia. After his term in office, he assisted the governor of Africa (168-169?). In 170-171, he was commander of XXII Primigenia a legion that guarded the Rhine at Mainz.note
At this stage in his career, Didius Julianus ought to have been made consul. We do not known why this did not happen, unless he had fallen into disfavor. Perhaps it is noteworthy that the three offices mentioned in the preceding section were without risk. The empire was fighting wars in the east and on the Danube, but not in Africa, Asia or the Rhine frontier (but see below).
General
The next appointment, as governor of Gallia Belgica, fits the picture:note it was honorable but he was kept away from the really important offices. However, there was an opportunity to prove his value. In 173, the Chauci, a Germanic tribe that lived along the shores of the Wadden Sea and had a reputation for piracy, unexpectedly invaded the country that is now called Flanders. Archaeologists doing research in the region of the river Scheldt have shown that this was not a minor incursion, but a far more serious matter. Large farms near Tournai were abandoned, the same happened to the village Velzeke (near Gand), and Arras was burnt down. The capitals of the Morini and Nervians, Thérouanne and Bavay, had to be rebuilt in the last quarter of the second century.
Didius Julianus rose to the occasion. He recruited troops in his province and attacked the invaders. One fortified camp has been excavated near Maldegem (east of Bruges), and can dendrochronologically be dated to 173. It offered accommodation to a squadron of Tungrian cavalry, which must have been among the auxiliary troops of Didius Julianus. He defeated the invaders and must have been the man who advised Marcus Aurelius to build forts along the coast of the North Sea. This was the beginning of the group of defense works along the Strait of Dover that became known as the litis Saxonicum.
The Historia augusta also mentions a victory over the Chatti,note which is not very probable and may be a writing error (Chatti instead of Chauci). Another explanation is that Didius Julianus defeated this Germanic tribe when he was commander of XXII Primigenia, because this legion was stationed at Mainz, directly opposite the Chatti.
Didius Julianus was now immediately made consul (in 175)note - by no means early for one who had been brought up in the household of the mother of the emperor: he was forty-two years old. His colleague was Publius Helvius Pertinax, another successful general. It is probable that both men held their high office in absentia and resided at the imperial court, which was at this traveling from the Danube, where Marcus Aurelius had been fighting an enormous war against the Marcomanni, to the east, which the emperor wanted to inspect after a brief and unsuccessful rebellion in the spring (led by Avidius Cassius).
After his consulate, Didius Julianus was made governor of Dalmatia. This was an assignment of some importance, because Dalmatia was the hinterland of the war zone along the Danube. Almost certainly, Didius Julianus played a role in the provisioning of the armies. He also was active in the suppression of brigandage in Montenegro and Albania (176-180).
Having done this job, he was made governor of Germania Inferior, adjacent to the war zone where he had fought against the Chauci (180-184/185). Didius Julianus was now responsible for two legions (I Minervia in Bonn and XXX Ulpia Victrix in Xanten) and was one of the most important generals in the empire. It is possible that he oversaw the construction of the forts along the coast. One building can with absolute certainty be dated during his governorship: the praetorium at Cologne, the office of the governor, was renovated. He may also have been involved in the reconstruction of forts at Valkenburg and Zwammerdam.
He was now recalled to Rome, where he was made prefect and became responsible for the financial support of children. For one who had fought successful wars, this was a demotion. It is possible that Didius Julianus had to some extent been involved in the conspiracy against Commodus, because he was accused. However, the emperor seems to have been content now that Didius Julianus was removed from his soldiers. In his new office, he was succeeded by Pertinax, and in the mid-180s we meet Didius Julianus as governor of Bithyniae et Pontus. In 189-190, he was governor of Africa (where he succeeded Pertinax): honorable offices for honorable men, but far away from the legions.
And so it looked as if Didius Julianus' career had ended. It had been a complete success: he had been consul, he had been governor of several provinces, among which were Africa (the richest province in the Roman empire) and Germania Inferior (with two legions). His military successes, however, had made him suspect."
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Greg Henning SGT Gregory Lawritson SP5 Mark KuzinskiSSG Chad Henning PO2 (Join to see)1SG Walter Craig SPC Matthew Lamb SPC Nancy GreeneSSG Franklin Briant1stsgt Glenn Brackin Sgt Kelli Mays TSgt George RodriguezSGT Jim ArnoldMSG Andrew White Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SGT Steve McFarland
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Emperors of Rome: Didius Julianus
The Emperors of Rome podcast looks at the achievements of Rome's emperors.
Emperors of Rome: Didius Julianus
The Emperors of Rome podcast looks at the achievements of Rome's emperors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgrVEkH6bvI
Images:
1. A brass dupondius coin depicting Roman Emperor Didius Julianus (r. 193 CE
2. Rooftile 'sub Didio'
3. Julianus' daughter Didia Clara 2
4. Didius Julianus coin
Background from {[https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/research/monetary-history-of-the-world/roman-empire/chronology_-by_-emperor/third-civil-war-severan-dynasty/didius-julianus-193ad/]}
Marcus Didius Julianus was the son of Petronius Didius Severus of Milan while his mother was from Roman North Africa. Didius was raised in the household of Domitia Lucilla, the mother of Marcus Aurelius, which served him well in political circles.
In 172 AD, Didius was appointed commander of the XXII Legion in Germany. His career prospered and in 175 AD he shared a consulship with Pertinax. He also was Governor of four Roman provinces, which included regions of Africa up to Lower Germany. Didius eventually became a distinguished Senator of Rome by the time Pertinax came to power.
Following the murder of Pertinax by the Praetorian guards, the full corruption of Rome burst forth. After parading around with the head of Pertinax on a pole, the Guards withdrew to the safety of their camp. No clear heir was available so the Guards stationed heralds on the wall to announce openly that the office of Emperor was up for sale to the highest bidder.
Thus began perhaps the most scandalous affair in Roman history. The corruption had reached such levels that it was clear that the decline and fall of the Roman Empire began at this junction in time.
There were two rival bidders who presented themselves – Titus Flavius Sulpicianus (father-in-law of Pertinax) and Marcus Didius Julianus. Didius’ bid was 25,000 sestertii per man, which was the high bid and he was duly declared Emperor.
Didius Julianus quickly found himself in serious trouble. The treasury had been depleted much more so than he had expected under Commodus. Didius began to reduce the weight of the coinage trying to stretch the reserves as far as possible. At the same time, he attempted to politically demonstrate stability by also issuing coins baring the portraits of his wife Manlia Scantilla and daughter Pescennius Niger, the Governor of Syria, to come to their assistance. Two other provincial Governors, Clodius Albinus in Britain and Septimius Severus in Upper Pannonia, were also determined to answer the appeal from Rome.
Severus quickly advanced on Rome and Julianus, after several pointless attempts at negotiation with his rival, Julianus found himself deserted by the Praetorian Guard and deposed by the Senate. He sought refuge in his deserted palace, but was beheaded on June 2nd after a reign of only 66 days."
FYI SFC (Join to see) LTC (Join to see)SGT Robert R.Col Carl Whicker SPC Margaret HigginsCapt Rich BuckleyCW4 G.L. SmithSPC Russ BoltonTSgt David L.PO1 Robert George LTC Jeff Shearer SGT Philip RoncariCWO3 Dennis M. SFC William Farrell Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett JrSP5 Jeannie CarleCynthia Croft LTC (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon
The Emperors of Rome podcast looks at the achievements of Rome's emperors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgrVEkH6bvI
Images:
1. A brass dupondius coin depicting Roman Emperor Didius Julianus (r. 193 CE
2. Rooftile 'sub Didio'
3. Julianus' daughter Didia Clara 2
4. Didius Julianus coin
Background from {[https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/research/monetary-history-of-the-world/roman-empire/chronology_-by_-emperor/third-civil-war-severan-dynasty/didius-julianus-193ad/]}
Marcus Didius Julianus was the son of Petronius Didius Severus of Milan while his mother was from Roman North Africa. Didius was raised in the household of Domitia Lucilla, the mother of Marcus Aurelius, which served him well in political circles.
In 172 AD, Didius was appointed commander of the XXII Legion in Germany. His career prospered and in 175 AD he shared a consulship with Pertinax. He also was Governor of four Roman provinces, which included regions of Africa up to Lower Germany. Didius eventually became a distinguished Senator of Rome by the time Pertinax came to power.
Following the murder of Pertinax by the Praetorian guards, the full corruption of Rome burst forth. After parading around with the head of Pertinax on a pole, the Guards withdrew to the safety of their camp. No clear heir was available so the Guards stationed heralds on the wall to announce openly that the office of Emperor was up for sale to the highest bidder.
Thus began perhaps the most scandalous affair in Roman history. The corruption had reached such levels that it was clear that the decline and fall of the Roman Empire began at this junction in time.
There were two rival bidders who presented themselves – Titus Flavius Sulpicianus (father-in-law of Pertinax) and Marcus Didius Julianus. Didius’ bid was 25,000 sestertii per man, which was the high bid and he was duly declared Emperor.
Didius Julianus quickly found himself in serious trouble. The treasury had been depleted much more so than he had expected under Commodus. Didius began to reduce the weight of the coinage trying to stretch the reserves as far as possible. At the same time, he attempted to politically demonstrate stability by also issuing coins baring the portraits of his wife Manlia Scantilla and daughter Pescennius Niger, the Governor of Syria, to come to their assistance. Two other provincial Governors, Clodius Albinus in Britain and Septimius Severus in Upper Pannonia, were also determined to answer the appeal from Rome.
Severus quickly advanced on Rome and Julianus, after several pointless attempts at negotiation with his rival, Julianus found himself deserted by the Praetorian Guard and deposed by the Senate. He sought refuge in his deserted palace, but was beheaded on June 2nd after a reign of only 66 days."
FYI SFC (Join to see) LTC (Join to see)SGT Robert R.Col Carl Whicker SPC Margaret HigginsCapt Rich BuckleyCW4 G.L. SmithSPC Russ BoltonTSgt David L.PO1 Robert George LTC Jeff Shearer SGT Philip RoncariCWO3 Dennis M. SFC William Farrell Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett JrSP5 Jeannie CarleCynthia Croft LTC (Join to see) LTC Wayne Brandon
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