v49_0649 - SEVERUS ALEXANDER Sesterce, (GB, Æ 31)

SEVERUS ALEXANDER

(05/10/221-03/22/235)

Augustus

Alexander Severus, whose real name is Gessius Bassianus Alexianus, was born in 208 in Caesarea in Phenicia. He is the son of Julia Mamée and Gessius Marcianus, a procurator of Syrian origin. He is also the grandson of Julia Maésa, sister of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, mother of Caracalla and Géta. He was adopted by his cousin Elagabalus on May 10, 221. When the latter was assassinated on March 13, 222, Alexander Severus was chosen to succeed him. He remains under the influence of his mother until the end of her reign. In 225, he married Orbiane who would soon be relegated. From 231, the borders of the Empire are threatened. It was first an expedition against the new Sassanid monarch Ardashir which ended with a truce in 233, the emperor having to go to the Rhine limes which the Germans had crossed. The emperor and his mother were assassinated in 235.