Emperor Septimius Severus: The Roman Hannibal [Hardcover]

One ancient source called Severus the most warlike of all men who had lived up to that moment in time. The rise of Septimius Severus to power started the dominance of the military in Roman affairs and it was because of this that Septimiuss advice for his sons was nothing less than: 'Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, and scorn all other men!'Ilkka Syvanne explains in detail how the African Septimius Severus achieved his position, how he won his wars and battles and how he used his newly gained power to secure his familys position. He reveals how he reformed the state and its military, and how he used these remodeled forces in wars of conquest to prove his worth as emperor to both the soldiers and the populace. This biography offers the first complete overview of the policies, events and military campaigns of Severus' reign in the fullest detail allowed by the sources. It also explains how and why these contributed to the military crisis of the third century and discusses the legacy he left for his son, Caracalla, who followed him in both his good and bad traits.Ilkka Syvanne explains in detail how the Septimius Severus achieved his position, how he won his wars and battles and how he used his newly gained power to secure his familys position.Romes African emperor.Septimius Severus was the most military of Emperors, campaigning against internal and external foes the length and breadth of the empire.His military career is covered here in unprecedented detail, every campaign, battle and siege subjected to thorough scrutiny and analysis.Excellent analysis of the organization, tactics and equipment of the Roman army of the period, as well as of their major enemies, and the impact of Severus reforms.Detailed, meticulously researched text supported by dozens of illustrations and maps.An excellent companion to the authors biography of Caracalla (9781399074827), who was Severus son.Impressively, exhaustively, and expertly researched& Syvanne brings out of relative olӡ