Didius Julianus: The Man Who Bought the Roman Empire
Didius Julianus, born Marcus Didius Severus Julianus, is infamous for purchasing the Roman Empire. His rise to power followed the tumultuous reign of Commodus, who was assassinated in 192 AD, marking the end of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty. Commodus’ successor, Pertinax, attempted to rein in the Praetorian Guard’s power but was quickly killed by them. Seizing the opportunity, the Guard auctioned the empire to the highest bidder. Julianus, an ambitious and wealthy senator, won this bid.
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Julianus was born in Mediolanum (modern-day Milan) into a distinguished family. Despite his administrative skills and early career success, including military command and governorships in Dalmatia and Germania Inferior, his ambition led him to the dubious purchase of the Roman throne. This act, perceived as a betrayal by the people and Senate, garnered him widespread disdain.
Julianus’ reign was short-lived. Three generals, including Septimius Severus, opposed him. Severus marched on Rome, capturing Ravenna with ease. Julianus’ attempts to negotiate and co-rule with Severus failed. The Praetorian Guard, unwilling to defend Julianus, abandoned him.
Severus entered Rome unopposed, and the Senate swiftly sentenced Julianus to death. On June 2, 193 AD, Julianus was executed after just 66 days as emperor, ending his infamous and ill-fated reign. This episode starkly illustrates the perils of power obtained through corruption and the volatile nature of Roman imperial politics.
Top image: Marble busts of Didius Julianus who bought the Roman Empire at the end of the 2nd century AD in a facial reconstruction artwork created by Daniel Voshart. Source: Daniel Voshart / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
