Year of the Five Emperors

This year started a period of civil war when multiple rulers vied for the chance to become emperor.

Once Commodus was assassinated, Pertinax was named emperor, but immediately aroused opposition in the Praetorian Guard when he attempted to initiate reforms.

Didius Julianus, who purchased the title from the Praetorian Guard, succeeded Pertinax, but was ousted by Septimius Severus and executed on 1 June.

[2] This started the civil war between Niger and Severus; both gathered troops and fought throughout the territory of the empire.

He faced early difficulties due to the empire's crumbling financial situation and accusations that he was complicit in the assassination of Commodus.

He had competition in Pertinax's father-in-law, Sulpicianus, but Julianus outbid him by promising even higher pay for the Praetorian Guard.

[2] Clodius Albinus came into contention for the imperial office in 193, when he was asked to become emperor after the death of Commodus, but rejected the proposition.

He had originally thought to take the throne after Commodus' murder, but was forestalled when the assassins hastily named Pertinax emperor.

[1] He had Didius Julianus executed and made enemies of the other powerful nobles who aspired to the throne, Niger and Albinus.

[4] However, once Severus defeated Niger, he set his sights on Albinus and waged a successful civil war against him.

[5] After defeating both enemies, Severus purged their followers to consolidate his position as sole Caesar, founding the Severan dynasty.