4Ulpia Severina

Following the downfall of the Severan dynasty the Rome Empire was plunged into a tumult of rival emperors and disasters known as the Crisis of the Third Century. This period came to an end when Aurelian became emperor. He attacked rivals, conquered lands which had been lost, drove out invaders, and reunified a shattered empire.

His rule was important but short, ending when he was assassinated. The sources tell us that after his death there was a significant period before the succession of the next emperor. It is possible that in this time the ruler of the Roman world in her own right was Ulpia Severina. Coins have been found which date after the death of her husband which carry Ulpia Severina’s image. She may have had a hand in choosing the emperor who followed her slain husband. Nothing is known of her later life.

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