Flavius Valerius Severus Biography and Timeline

Appointed Caesar

Severus is appointed Caesar in the western tetrarchy when Diocletian and Maximian abdicate.

Role range: 0305-0306

Aquileia Coinage

The mint at Aquileia issues coinage in the name and portrait of Severus during his period as Caesar.

Role range: 0305-0306

Authority over Africa

Severus receives authority over Roman Africa as part of his western Caesarian assignment.

Role range: 0305-0306

Authority over Italy

Severus receives administrative responsibility for Italy after his appointment as Caesar.

Role range: 0305-0306

Authority over Pannonia

Severus also exercises authority in Pannonia within the territorial arrangements of the tetrarchy.

Role range: 0305-0306

Carthage Mint Coinage

The Carthage mint issues coinage for Severus while he administers western provinces under the tetrarchy.

Role range: 0305-0306

Former Governor of Pannonia

Before entering the tetrarchy, Severus serves as governor of Pannonia according to later biographical summaries.

Junior to Constantius I

As Caesar, Severus serves under the western Augustus Constantius I within the second tetrarchy.

Role range: 0305-0306

Rome Mint Coinage

The mint of Rome produces imperial coinage for Severus during his Caesarian period.

Role range: 0305-0306

Siscia Mint Coinage

The mint at Siscia strikes coins naming Severus as a member of the tetrarchic college.

Role range: 0305-0306

Tarragona Mint Coinage

Coinage attributed to the Tarragona mint is issued in Severus's name during his place in the tetrarchic system.

Role range: 0305-0306

Trier Gold Coinage

Gold coinage from Trier bears Severus's name and portrait while he holds the rank of Caesar.

Role range: 0305-0306

Succession

After Constantius I dies, Galerius promotes Flavius Valerius Severus from Caesar to Augustus in the western tetrarchy.

Role range: 0306-0307

Maxentius Revolt

Maxentius is proclaimed emperor at Rome, creating a direct challenge to Severus's authority in Italy.

Role range: 0306-0307

Senate Supports Maxentius

The Roman Senate recognizes Maxentius, weakening Severus's position in the city and central Italy.

Role range: 0306-0307

Taxation Discontent in Italy

Heavy taxation associated with Severus's administration contributes to discontent that helps Maxentius gain support in Italy.

Role range: 0306-0307

Western Augustus

As western Augustus, Severus holds authority centered on Italy and Africa while Constantine controls Britain and Gaul.

Role range: 0306-0307

Abdication

Severus surrenders at Ravenna and relinquishes the imperial title after the failure of his campaign against Maxentius.

Role range: 0306-0307

Death of Severus II

Severus is killed in September 307 while held by Maxentius's regime; ancient sources differ about the precise manner of his death.

Role range: 0306-0307

Consulship with Maximinus Daia

Severus serves as consul with Maximinus Daia during the final year of his reign.

Role range: 0306-0307

Detention at Tres Tabernae

Severus is confined at Tres Tabernae on the Appian Way after being removed from active imperial politics.

Role range: 0306-0307

Displayed as Prisoner

After surrendering, Severus is taken to Rome and publicly held as a captive of Maxentius's regime.

Role range: 0306-0307

Hostage against Galerius

Maxentius's regime keeps Severus as a hostage while Galerius prepares his own intervention in Italy.

Role range: 0306-0307

Survived by Severianus

Severus is survived by a son, Flavius Severianus, who later appears in the political struggles of the Constantinian period.

Role range: 0306-0307

Army Formerly Served Maximian

Many soldiers in Severus's invading army had previously served under Maximian, creating a serious loyalty problem during the campaign.

Role range: 0306-0307

March from Mediolanum

Severus advances from Mediolanum toward Rome with an army assembled to suppress Maxentius.

Role range: 0306-0307

Maximian Negotiates Surrender

Maximian negotiates with Severus at Ravenna and offers assurances that his life will be spared if he surrenders.

Role range: 0306-0307

Ordered to Suppress Maxentius

Galerius orders Severus to march against Maxentius and restore tetrarchic control in Italy.

Role range: 0306-0307

Ravenna Defensive Position

Severus takes refuge at Ravenna, whose defenses and marshy surroundings make direct assault difficult.

Role range: 0306-0307

Retreat to Ravenna

After his army collapses through desertion, Severus retreats to the strongly fortified city of Ravenna.

Role range: 0306-0307

Siege of Rome

Severus reaches Rome and attempts to suppress Maxentius, but his army proves unreliable outside the city.

Role range: 0306-0307

Troop Desertions

Large numbers of Severus's troops desert when Maximian returns to support his son Maxentius.

Role range: 0306-0307