Severus Alexander was the last emperor of the Severan dynasty, ascending to the throne in 222 AD at the young age of 14. Under his rule, the Roman Empire faced multiple challenges including military pressures from external foes and internal dissent among the Roman legions. His attempts to reform the military and stabilize the empire were met with resistance from his own troops, particularly during campaigns against the Germanic tribes in the early 230s. Dissatisfaction was widespread due to rising taxes and the perception that Alexander was too lenient and ineffective in dealing with military threats. This unrest culminated in his assassination by the soldiers who had been under his command. They turned against him, declaring their general, Maximinus Thrax, as emperor, thus setting off a catastrophic chain of events that led to a period of great turmoil known as the Crisis of the Third Century. This crisis saw numerous emperors rise and fall rapidly, engulfing Rome in civil wars, economic strife, and external invasions for several decades. Alexander's death, therefore, became a pivotal moment in the Empire's history, marking the collapse of centralized authority and the onset of chaos.