Septimius Severus Triumphs Over Clodius Albinus
February 19th, 197
February 19th, 197

How Long Ago?
1828 years, 23 days ago
Location
Lugdunum, Gaul (modern Lyon, France)
Category
Military & Warfare
People
- Septimius Severus
- Clodius Albinus
Links & References
Tags
Septimius Severus Triumphs Over Clodius Albinus
In the Battle of Lugdunum, Emperor Septimius Severus led his forces against the usurper Clodius Albinus, resulting in a decisive victory that solidified Severus's control over the Roman Empire. The confrontation, known for its brutality, took place near the city of Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France) and was marked by significant bloodshed, establishing Severus's dominance as he faced a rival with a legitimate claim to power and extensive support. The aftermath of the battle determined the fate of the Roman leadership and reshaped the political landscape.
Clodius Albinus declared himself emperor in Britain.
Severus used cavalry tactics for flanking maneuvers.
The battle resulted in tens of thousands of casualties.
Severus's victory solidified the Severan Dynasty.
What Happened?
The Battle of Lugdunum was a crucial conflict during a time of instability in the Roman Empire, following the death of Emperor Pertinax and subsequent short-lived emperors. As various claimants emerged, Septimius Severus and Clodius Albinus became the two principal contenders vying for control. Severus had initially served as governor of the province of Africa before raising troops and declaring himself emperor. In response, Albinus, then governor of Britain, also proclaimed himself emperor and marched across Gaul to confront Severus. Their rivalry culminated in a violent clash at Lugdunum, where both sides had amassed considerable military strength.The battle itself was extraordinarily bloody, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of soldiers lost their lives on both sides. The tactics employed by Severus, including flanking maneuvers and the use of cavalry, played a pivotal role in his victory. Clodius Albinus's forces were overwhelmed, and the usurper ultimately perished in the fighting. Following the battle, Severus enacted a series of reforms to stabilize the empire, reinforcing the power of the emperor while simultaneously quelling future dissent. This victory marked the ascendance of Severus as a prominent Roman leader and ushered in a new era in the Severan Dynasty's rule over Rome.The outcome left a profound impact on the Roman political landscape. It not only eliminated a significant rival but also served as a stark reminder of the volatility of imperial power. Severus's rule would last for nearly two decades, during which he implemented military reforms and pursued expansive campaigns, furthering Rome's territorial reach.
Why Does it Matter?
The Battle of Lugdunum is significant as it marked a pivotal point in Roman imperial history, establishing Septimius Severus as a formidable leader who would shape the empire's future. His victory over Clodius Albinus demonstrated the potential for civil strife within the empire and underscored the importance of military loyalty. The battle also set a precedent for future military engagements and power struggles in Rome, influencing successor emperors and the eventual rise of the soldier-emperor phenomenon, where military leaders would frequently gain and consolidate power.
Discover More Historic Events from February 19th
Mya Thwe Thwe Khine: First Casualty of Protests
Mya Thwe Thwe Khine, a 19-year-old from Myanmar, was critically injured during anti-coup protests following the military coup that took place earlier in February 2021. She was shot by police while participating in a march against the junta in Naypyidaw, leading to widespread outrage and protests across the country. Her death sparked increased demonstrations, marking a significant escalation in resistance against the military government.
Continue ReadingNine Killed in Hanau Terrorist Shootings
In Hanau, Hesse, Germany, two shootings occurred at shisha bars, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and leaving several others injured. The attacks took place in the early hours of the evening, targeting predominantly people of migrant descent, and quickly raised concerns about rising xenophobia and far-right extremism in Germany. The shooter was later found dead, along with a family member at his home, prompting investigations into his motivations and connections.
Continue ReadingForty-four killed in Apodaca prison fight
A violent confrontation erupted in the Apodaca prison in Nuevo León, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of forty-four inmates. The violence began around midnight and reportedly involved rival gangs within the prison. Authorities stated that the fight continued for hours before police were able to restore order. Despite efforts to control the situation, overcrowding and insufficient resources contributed to the unrest. This incident highlighted ongoing issues with the prison system in Mexico, particularly regarding gang violence and inadequacy in rehabilitation efforts.
Continue ReadingBelitung Shipwreck Exhibition Launches in Singapore
The debut exhibition of artifacts from the Belitung shipwreck opened at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore, showcasing the largest collection of Tang dynasty relics discovered together in one find. This remarkable display highlighted over 200 pieces, including pottery, gold, silver, and glassware, dating back to the 9th century. Visitors had the opportunity to witness the richness of Tang dynasty trade and culture through these invaluable artifacts, enhancing understanding of historical connections in maritime trade.
Continue ReadingMethane Explosion Claims Lives of Miners
A methane explosion occurred in a coal mine near Nueva Rosita, Mexico, tragically killing 65 miners. The explosion, which happened during a shift change, was attributed to the buildup of highly flammable methane gas. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, but the hazardous conditions complicated the situation, leading to significant delays in retrieving the miners.
Continue ReadingIlyushin Il-76 Aircraft Crash in Iran
An Ilyushin Il-76 military aircraft crashed in Kerman, Iran, resulting in the deaths of 275 people. The plane, operated by the Iranian military, was reportedly on a routine flight when it encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. Witnesses described seeing smoke trail and hearing explosions before the aircraft went down, emphasizing the tragic scale of the incident. This disaster is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Iran's history and raised concerns over the safety protocols in place for military transportation.
Continue Reading