Roman Emperor Pertinax (193 CE)

Pertinax: The Brief Reign of Rome’s Unlikely Emperor

Publius Helvius Pertinax, often simply referred to as Pertinax, was one of the most intriguing figures in Roman imperial history. His life and brief reign as emperor illustrate the complexities and volatility of late 2nd-century Rome. Born into modest beginnings, Pertinax rose through the ranks of the Roman military and political system to become emperor. However, his tenure on the throne was tragically short-lived, lasting only 87 days before his assassination by the Praetorian Guard. Pertinax's story is one of a man who, despite his competence and integrity, was unable to navigate the treacherous waters of Roman politics.

Early Life and Career

Pertinax was born on August 1, 126 CE, in Alba Pompeia, a small town in Liguria, northern Italy. His father, a freedman named Helvius Successus, was a former slave who had become a wealthy wool merchant. Despite his modest origins, Pertinax received a good education, which allowed him to enter the Roman military as an officer. His early life is emblematic of the social mobility possible in the Roman Empire, where talent and determination could propel even those of humble birth to the highest positions.

Pertinax began his military career as a centurion, a junior officer rank, but quickly rose through the ranks due to his competence and bravery. He served in various provinces, including Britain, Syria, and along the Danube frontier. Pertinax distinguished himself in these postings, particularly in dealing with the challenges posed by Rome’s numerous enemies on its borders. His success in the military earned him the favor of several high-ranking officials, which allowed him to transition into a political career.

Pertinax’s political career saw him holding a series of important positions, including governor of several provinces such as Dacia, Moesia, and Britain. He also served as a consul, the highest office in the Roman state, under Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 175 CE. His administrative abilities were widely recognized, and he became known for his integrity, discipline, and dedication to duty. However, these qualities also made him many enemies, particularly among those who resented his strict and no-nonsense approach to governance.

The Crisis of Succession

Pertinax’s rise to the throne came at a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire. The reign of Emperor Commodus, the son of Marcus Aurelius, had ended in chaos and murder on December 31, 192 CE. Commodus’ rule had been characterized by his erratic behavior, love of gladiatorial combat, and increasing detachment from the responsibilities of leadership. His assassination left a power vacuum that needed to be filled quickly.

After Commodus' death, the Senate moved to restore stability by appointing a new emperor. Pertinax, despite being a seasoned administrator and military man, was an unlikely choice due to his lack of noble birth and his age—he was 66 years old at the time. However, the Senate believed that Pertinax’s reputation for honesty and competence made him the ideal candidate to restore order to the empire.

On January 1, 193 CE, Pertinax was proclaimed emperor. He accepted the position reluctantly, aware of the dangers and challenges that came with the imperial purple. His appointment was initially met with optimism, as many hoped that his leadership would bring about a return to the stability and good governance associated with the era of the "Five Good Emperors."

Reign of Pertinax

Pertinax’s reign was characterized by his attempts to reverse the excesses and corruption of Commodus’ rule. He immediately set about reforming the administration, cutting down on the extravagance that had characterized the previous regime. He sought to restore discipline within the Praetorian Guard and the broader military, which had become increasingly unruly under Commodus. Pertinax also attempted to implement financial reforms, aiming to replenish the depleted imperial treasury through austerity measures and the sale of Commodus’ extravagant possessions.

However, Pertinax's reforms were met with resistance from multiple quarters. The Praetorian Guard, in particular, had grown accustomed to the bribes and favors they had received during Commodus’ reign. Pertinax’s attempts to impose discipline and reduce their influence were deeply unpopular. The Guard, which had played a key role in the assassination of Commodus, was now wary of any emperor who might threaten their privileged position.

Moreover, Pertinax's efforts to restore financial discipline alienated many in the Roman elite. His attempts to collect overdue taxes and recover state property from wealthy individuals who had benefitted under Commodus made him enemies among the Senate and the aristocracy. These powerful groups saw Pertinax as a threat to their wealth and influence and began plotting against him.

Assassination and Aftermath

The seeds of Pertinax’s downfall were sown by the discontent brewing within the Praetorian Guard. On March 28, 193 CE, just 87 days after he had ascended to the throne, a group of disgruntled Praetorian Guardsmen stormed the imperial palace. They had grown increasingly frustrated with Pertinax’s refusal to indulge their demands for more money and privileges. Despite efforts to placate the soldiers, Pertinax was caught off guard by the sudden attack.

When the guardsmen confronted him, Pertinax reportedly attempted to reason with them, appealing to their sense of loyalty and duty. However, the mob was beyond persuasion. The soldiers brutally murdered Pertinax, decapitating him in the very palace he had sought to reform. His death plunged Rome into further chaos, as the throne was once again left vacant.

Following Pertinax’s assassination, the Praetorian Guard effectively auctioned off the imperial title to the highest bidder. Didius Julianus, a wealthy senator, offered a substantial sum of money to the guards and was declared emperor. This event, known as the "Auction of the Empire," shocked the Roman world and further discredited the Praetorian Guard. Julianus’ reign, like Pertinax’s, was short-lived and ended with his assassination just two months later.

The death of Pertinax and the subsequent instability marked the beginning of the "Year of the Five Emperors," a period of civil war and chaos in which several claimants vied for control of the empire. Eventually, Septimius Severus, a capable general, emerged as the victor and established the Severan dynasty, which would rule Rome for the next several decades.

Legacy

Pertinax’s brief reign left a complex legacy. While his time as emperor was short, his attempts to restore discipline and integrity to the Roman government were notable. His assassination, however, highlighted the deep-seated problems within the Roman state, particularly the excessive power and influence of the Praetorian Guard.

In many ways, Pertinax’s reign serves as a cautionary tale about the difficulties of reforming a system that has grown corrupt and decadent. Despite his best efforts, Pertinax was unable to overcome the entrenched interests that opposed his reforms. His fate also underscores the volatility of Roman imperial politics, where even the most capable and well-intentioned ruler could be brought down by the very forces he sought to control.

In Roman history, Pertinax is often remembered as a tragic figure—a man of principle and integrity who was ultimately undone by the corruption and violence that surrounded him. His life and reign offer valuable insights into the challenges of leadership in a time of crisis and the dangers that await those who seek to change a deeply flawed system.

Pertinax's story is a poignant chapter in the history of the Roman Empire. From his humble beginnings as the son of a freedman to his rise as emperor, Pertinax’s life was marked by a commitment to duty and service. His brief tenure as emperor was characterized by a sincere effort to restore order and discipline to a crumbling empire. However, his assassination by the very forces he sought to reform underscores the perilous nature of power in ancient Rome. Pertinax’s legacy is a reminder of the challenges faced by those who seek to bring about change in the face of entrenched interests and corruption.