The Arch of Septimius Severus

The North African-born Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (r. 193-211) ruled through a program of dynastic succession, militaristic power and architectural revival. He was the first Emperor born in the provinces since Hadrian and Trajan. Idolized for his military successes, having been declared emperor by his troops, Septimius is most well known for his Parthian victories from 194-195. With the military success of the emperor came a dramatic building program in Rome as well as the emperor’s city of birth and the world heritage site, Leptis Magna