Didius Julianus
Emperor A.D 193
Didius Julianus, like many a wealthy Senator and merchant, had always hoped one day to wear the imperial purple, and by a stroke of fortune had got his opportunity. The Praetorian Guard had murdered the previous emperor, Pertinax, who had been to trying to establish discipline in an army which had grown soft and greedy, always expecting bonuses and extra privileges. After this treachery, they auctioned off the throne. In the spirited bidding between City Prefect Titus Flavius Sulpicianus and Didius Julianus, Julianus won the throne with his 25,000 sestertii bid.
As Soon as had he become emperor several men rebelled, proclaiming Julianus a traitor, coward, and a weakling. Their aim was to save "Rome from this sordid blot on their government" and help themselves to greatness at the same time. It soon became clear to almost everyone but Julianus that all he had bought with his fortune was the privilege of being hunted down and slaughtered like a common criminal.
Meanwhile the governor of Britain, Clodius Albinus and the legate of Syria, Gaius Peicennius Niger, were both saluted by their legions, as Emperor. However Publius Septimins Severus who was also saluted by his legions as Emperor was nearer Rome and occupied it. Didius Julianus was put to death after a reign of only 66 days and the Praetorian Guard disbanded, many committing suicide in shame. Albinus was allowed the title Of Caesar and possession of Britain and Gaul, as a ruse while Severus concentrated on defeating and killing Niger. Eventually Albinas was declared enemy of Rome. Albinus withdrew his troops from Britain and engaged Severus at Lyons. Upon eventually losing on 17th February AD 197, Albinus committed suicide. It is a measure of Severus that he had Albinus's wife and children murdered, the whole families' bodies mutilated and thrown into the Rhone
© Brigantes Nation 2002