Septimius Severus (193–211 CE)
  • 1. Septimius Severus (193–211 CE) was a Roman emperor who rose to power during a time of significant turmoil and civil strife known as the Year of the Five Emperors. Born in Leptis Magna (present-day Libya) in 145 CE, he was of Punic and Roman ancestry, which gave him a unique perspective on the vast multicultural empire he would come to rule. Severus is known for his military prowess, having begun his career as a soldier and quickly ascending the ranks, eventually leading successful campaigns in Gaul and Africa. After securing his position as emperor, Severus focused on consolidating power, defeating rival claimants, and revitalizing the Roman military. His reign saw the expansion of the Roman empire into Britain and the campaigns against the Parthian Empire to the east, showcasing his ambition to restore Roman glory. Severus also implemented various social and economic reforms, emphasizing the importance of the military and establishing the Severan dynasty, which lasted until 235 CE. His rule marked a shift in the imperial administration, as he favored military men over traditional senatorial elites, drastically changing the dynamics of Roman governance. Severus was known for his significant contributions to architecture, including the rebuilding of the city of Rome and the construction of the famous Arch of Septimius Severus in the Forum, commemorating his victories. He died in 211 CE in York, leaving a legacy characterized by both military conquest and a more direct military influence over the Roman political landscape.

    In which year did Septimius Severus become emperor?
A) 200 CE
B) 190 CE
C) 210 CE
D) 193 CE
  • 2. What was the birthplace of Septimius Severus?
A) Rome
B) Carthage
C) Leptis Magna
D) Athens
  • 3. Which dynasty did Septimius Severus belong to?
A) Severan Dynasty
B) Julio-Claudian Dynasty
C) Flavian Dynasty
D) Constantinian Dynasty
  • 4. Which war did Septimius Severus famously conduct?
A) Punic Wars
B) Parthian War
C) Gallic Wars
D) Dacian Wars
  • 5. Who were the children of Septimius Severus?
A) Commodus and Maximus
B) Claudius and Nero
C) Caracalla and Geta
D) Nerva and Trajan
  • 6. What was Septimius Severus's main military reform?
A) Increased pay for soldiers
B) Reduction in army size
C) Elimination of legions
D) Creation of the Praetorian Guard
  • 7. Which empire did Septimius Severus significantly expand?
A) Persian Empire
B) Byzantine Empire
C) Roman Empire
D) Macedonian Empire
  • 8. What was the name of Septimius Severus's wife?
A) Cornelia Scipionis
B) Julia Domna
C) Livia Drusilla
D) Fulvia
  • 9. What year did Septimius Severus die?
A) 211 CE
B) 210 CE
C) 213 CE
D) 212 CE
  • 10. Which conflict did Severus engage to secure his power?
A) Religious conflict
B) Civil War
C) World War
D) Foreign raids
  • 11. What year did Severus begin his campaign against the Parthians?
A) 205 CE
B) 200 CE
C) 197 CE
D) 192 CE
  • 12. How did Septimius Severus view the role of the army?
A) Only for defense
B) A secondary force
C) Unimportant in politics
D) Essential to governance
  • 13. Which hostile power did Septimius Severus confront during his reign?
A) Celtic tribes
B) Parthian Empire
C) Germanic tribes
D) Sassanid Empire
  • 14. Which province did Severus make a Roman province after his campaigns?
A) Mesopotamia
B) Egypt
C) Judea
D) Britannia
  • 15. Severus was the first emperor to come from which region?
A) North Africa
B) Gaul
C) Britannia
D) Hispania
  • 16. What was the status of Septimius Severus' rule?
A) Autocratic
B) Monarchical
C) Democratic
D) Oligarchic
  • 17. Where was Severus buried?
A) Antioch
B) Leptis Magna
C) Rome
D) Trier
  • 18. Which legislative body did Severus often bypass?
A) The Senate
B) The Council of Tribunes
C) The Praetorian Guard
D) The People’s Assembly
  • 19. What was Severus' legacy regarding the imperial succession?
A) Restoration of Senate control
B) Return to military anarchy
C) Dynastic rule with his sons
D) Establishment of a republic
  • 20. Septimius Severus was known for his:
A) Cultural contributions
B) Artistic patronage
C) Philosophical writings
D) Military reforms
  • 21. What cultural movement did Severus encourage?
A) Puritanism
B) Cultural syncretism
C) Barbarian traditions
D) Isolationism
  • 22. Where did Severus die?
A) Constantinople
B) Carthage
C) Eboracum (York)
D) Rome
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