Lucius Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna, Libya, in the Roman province of Africa. He is of Lybico-Punic and Roman-Italian origin. As a young man, he advanced through the customary succession of offices during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Severus was the final contender to seize power after the death of the emperor Pertinax in 193 during the Year of the Five Emperors. Born: 146 Died: 211 In office: April 8, 193 – February 4, 211 Wiki link