Septimius Severus

Septimius Severus (146-211 CE) was born at Lepcis Magna, Africa. He studied law at Rome during his earlier years. In 193, he successfully used the praetorian guard to overthrow Julianus and established himself as the Emperor of Rome. Soon after, he declared himself the son of Marcus Aurelius in order to give his claim to the throne legitimacy. His reign was composed mainly of military campaigns throughout Syria, Asia Minor, Africa, and towards the end of his life, Britain. He established colonies in Africa and Syria. During the first year of his reign, he was tolerant of Christianity. But, by his tenth year in office, this attitude had changed, and a violent series or persecutions and martyrdoms occured. Origen's father, Leonidas, was one known to have been persecuted during the reign of Septimius Severus.

April Blazevic