Lunchtime Lecture - ‘Septimius Severus: the popular dictator’

Part of our 'Imperial Lives' Lunchtime Lecture series. Hear about the life of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus

The Roman Emperor Septimius Severus was born in the Libyan city of Leptis Magna, and was the first African to become Emperor of Rome.  He secured the Empire after defeating his rivals, and consolidated his position by force, founding the Severan dynasty in the process.  His rule was a dictatorship and he had many enemies in the Roman senate, but was loved by the people.  He was an able military leader and actively defended Rome's frontiers, eventually dying and being buried in York.  This lecture will explore, using classical sources, the life of this extraordinary leader and the political turmoil through which he lived.

This lecture will be delivered by our Collections Access Officer (archaeology).  The lecture begins at 12.30 and will last approximately 30 minutes, in The Collection's auditorium, and is FREE.  There is no need to book in advance.

This lecture is part of a series of six Lunchtime Lectures entitled 'Imperial Lives: Six Roman Emperors with British connections'.  The other lectures in the series are:

15 August 2014 - 'Claudius: the idiot'

12 September 2014 - 'Domitian: the tyrant'

10 October 2014 - 'Hadrian: the traveller'

14 November 2014 - 'Septimius Severus: the popular dictator'

12 December 2014 - 'Carausius: the usurper'

16 January 2015 - 'Constantine the Great: the convert'