M. Aurelius Severus Alexander
Dynasty: Severans
Augustus (AD 222-235)Severus Alexander succeeded his cousin Elegabalus, who was murdered by the Praetorian Guard, in AD 222 at the age of around 13. His grandmother, Julia Maesa, continued to be the force behind the throne, along with his mother Julia Mamaea. Historians report the boy's reign to be one of sense and moderation, as he was guided by wise counsel, and his Grandmother was eager to avoid the same mistakes that were made in Elagabalus' reign. Severus Alexander, however, was unable to resist his mother's influence and, although reportedly disgusted by her greed and avarice, he never stopped her. He married Sallustia Orbiana in ca 225 but his mother grew jealous of her influence, or supposed influence on Alexander, and she was banished to Africa. Alexander's mild reign was unable to stop the ferocity of the guard, who in AD 223 murdered their own prefect Ulpian, in front of him. Severus Alexander successfully fought off an attack by the new Sassanid empire, but while facing a German attack on the northern frontiers, the army, proposing a Thracian peasant Maximinus as the new Emperor, murdered Alexander and his mother in AD 235
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