Severus Alexander AD 222-235. Rome
Denarius AR

20 mm, 3,19 g

IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right / P M TR P V COS II P P, Severus Alexander standing facing, head left, sacrificing with patera over lighted altar to left.

Good Very Fine, darkly toned

RIC 55.

Severus Alexander, whose full name was Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander Augustus, was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 222 to 235. He was born in AD 208 in Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon). Severus Alexander became emperor at the age of 13, following the assassination of Emperor Elagabalus, his cousin. During his reign, he was heavily influenced by his mother, Julia Mamaea, who acted as his regent and advisor.Severus Alexander was known for his moderation and attempts to promote a more harmonious and stable government. He tried to restore the authority of the Senate, reduced taxes, and showed clemency to his enemies. However, despite his good intentions, his reign faced various challenges. The Roman military was unhappy with his policies, and external threats from the Sassanian Empire in Persia and Germanic tribes put further strain on the empire. In AD 235, a rebellion broke out among the Roman troops led by Maximinus Thrax, a general who had gained popularity in the legions. Severus Alexander was unable to quell the rebellion, and he and his mother were assassinated by their own soldiers. With his death, the Severan dynasty came to an end.