Pertinax: The Most Tragic Roman Emperor

Pertinax exemplified what was best about Rome during the prosperous 2nd century AD - the son of a freed slave, he rose from an undistinguished family background to become an effective general, administrator and emperor. However, his brief rule would be doomed from the start as he attempted to reverse the misrule of Commodus and return Rome to the golden age under his friend Marcus Aurelius. Though brave, capable and just, Pertinax would last just 87 days before a coup led by the praetorian guard ended his reign and the Roman Empire would be plunged into civil war that presaged the crisis of the third century. Related content: Roman Currency:    • The Value of Roman Currency   The Pomerium:    • The Pomerium: Rome’s Sacred Border   Channel art direction and branding by Kate Hillstead: katehillstead.com Sculpture art by Daisydewdles: instagram.com/daisydewdles #SPQR #history #ancientrome #ancienthistory #romanempire #documentary #historyancient #historyfacts #historical