Ancient Coins

Roman Emperor Seberus Alexander

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Roman Emperor Seberus Alexander

AD 222 - 235

M. Aurelius Severus Alexander (originally named Alexander Bassianus), was born in Acre, in Phoenicia. In 221 A.D. he was adopted by Elagabalus (his cousin) and given the title of Caesar. After the murder of Elagabalus, Alexander was at once acknowledged Emperor by the Praetorian guards, the Senate giving it confirmation the same day. For nine years Alexander ruled the empire wisely and well, and the condition of the State was much improved: but in 231 troubles on the Eastern frontiers compelled the Emperor to take the field against the Persians, whom he defeated in 231. Almost at once, however, similar disturbances on the German frontier necessitated a Western campaign, early in the course of which Alexander was murdered, with his mother, by a band of mutinous solders.