Thursday, September 29, 2011

Murphysboro Centuries, 3rd secular

Septimus Severus, 193-211 AD
- was “African” or “Semitic” - spent first part of his reign eliminating other generals who had been declared emperor - attempted to conquer Mesopotamia, and fought the “savages” of Scotland
- the civil war caused great damage - in order to prevent any more, he expanded the army, raised army pay (more payments “in kind”), soldiers allowed to farm, legally marry - centurions were favored, and the army became the path to success
- all that required much higher taxes - was one of the outstanding imperial builders - during his reign, the worship of the sun becomes important
- deathbed advice to his sons - “Keep on good terms with each other, be generous to the soldiers, and ignore everyone else!”

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