# Didius Julianus

> emperor of ancient Rome (193 CE)

**Wikidata**: [Q1440](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1440)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didius_Julianus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/didius-julianus

## Summary
Didius Julianus, also known as Marcus Didius Severus Julianus, was a Roman statesman and military figure who became emperor of Rome in 193 CE. He is most notable for purchasing the throne from the Praetorian Guard after the assassination of Pertinax, ruling for only a few months before being overthrown and executed.

## Biography
- Born: 133 CE
- Nationality: Ancient Rome
- Education: No formal education details provided.
- Known for: Briefly ruling as Roman Emperor in 193 CE.
- Employer(s): Roman Empire (emperor)
- Field(s): Politics, Military

## Contributions
Didius Julianus did not produce scholarly or creative works but was involved in the political and military machinery of the Roman state. His most significant "contribution" was his controversial accession to the imperial throne, which he acquired through negotiation with the Praetorian Guard. His reign was short-lived and ended in his execution on June 1, 193 CE.

## FAQs
### What role did Didius Julianus play in Roman history?
Didius Julianus was a Roman senator and general who became emperor after the death of Pertinax. He is known for buying the throne from the Praetorian Guard, which led to his brief and unstable rule.

### How long did Didius Julianus rule as emperor?
Didius Julianus ruled for only a few months in 193 CE before being overthrown and executed.

### What led to the rise and fall of Didius Julianus?
He rose to power by negotiating with the Praetorian Guard to become emperor but was quickly overthrown due to public unrest and military opposition, leading to his execution.

### What is the significance of Didius Julianus's reign?
His reign is historically significant as one of the most unstable periods during the Year of the Five Emperors (193 CE), highlighting the political chaos of the time.

## Why They Matter
Didius Julianus's reign is a notable, albeit brief, episode in the turbulent history of the Roman Empire. His acquisition of the throne through payment to the Praetorian Guard exemplifies the political instability and corruption of the era. His short rule underscores the volatility of imperial succession and the influence of the Praetorian Guard in determining Roman leadership. His story is often cited as a cautionary tale in historical narratives about the dangers of political manipulation and the fragility of power in ancient Rome.

## Notable For
- Becoming Roman Emperor through a negotiated purchase with the Praetorian Guard
- Being overthrown and executed within months of ascending to power
- His rule marking a pivotal moment in the chaotic Year of the Five Emperors
- Illustrating the political instability of the late 2nd century Roman Empire

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Didius Julianus was born in 133 CE and rose through the ranks of Roman society to become a prominent figure in both military and political spheres. He belonged to a distinguished Roman family and accumulated significant influence and wealth before ascending to the imperial throne.

### Rise to Power
In 193 CE, Didius Julianus became involved in a pivotal moment of Roman history. After the assassination of Emperor Pertinax, the Praetorian Guard auctioned the throne to the highest bidder. Didius Julianus emerged victorious in this auction, paying a large sum to the Praetorian Guard to become emperor. This event is one of the most infamous in Roman history, symbolizing the degradation of imperial authority.

### Brief Rule and Downfall
His reign lasted only a few months. His purchase of the throne caused widespread public outrage and military dissent. The Roman populace and the military did not accept an emperor who had bought his position, leading to immediate challenges to his rule. His unpopularity and the perception of illegitimacy led to revolts and military campaigns against him.

### Death and Legacy
Didius Julianus was executed on June 1, 193 CE, after being abandoned by the Senate and the Praetorian Guard. His death marked the end of his brief and chaotic rule. His legacy is often viewed through the lens of the instability of the Roman Empire during the Year of the Five Emperors, a period that saw rapid succession of emperors. His reign is remembered more for its infamy than for any significant contributions to Roman governance or culture.

### Historical Significance
The story of Didius Julianus is often cited as an example of the political volatility and moral decline of the Roman Empire during the late 2nd century. His rule is studied as a case of how not to acquire or maintain power, and his actions are seen as contributing to the broader narrative of imperial crisis during his time.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.vcoins.com/en/landing/twih20150125.aspx)
2. [Source](http://olivier.jeulin.free.fr/lettres/latin/calendarium/menses/januarius.htm)
3. [Source](http://www.academia.edu/3686880/Dan_Deac_Negotiating_with_the_Dacians._The_Case_of_M._Ulpius_Celerinus_interpres_dacorum_in_Eph._Nap._XXIII_2013)
4. [Source](http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=didius%20julianus)
5. [Source](http://madamepickwickartblog.com/2012/08/the-opportunist/)
6. Q131987583
7. Didius 8 (Pauly-Wissowa)
8. general catalog of BnF
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. CERL Thesaurus
12. Library of Congress Control Number
13. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
14. [Source](https://www.unrv.com/decline-of-empire/didius-julianus.php)
15. Enciclopedia Treccani