| Who is it? | Roman Emperor |
| Birth Place | Arca Caesarea (modern Akkar, Lebanon), Italian |
| Died On | 19 March 235 (aged around 28)\nMoguntiacum, Germania Superior |
| Birth Sign | Scorpio |
| Reign | 11 March 222 – 18/19 March 235 |
| Predecessor | Elagabalus |
| Successor | Maximinus Thrax |
| Spouse | Sallustia Orbiana Sulpicia Memmia |
| Full nameRegnal name | Full name Marcus Julius Gessius Bassianus Alexianus (from birth to adoption); Caesar Marcus Aurelius Alexander (from adoption to accession) Regnal name Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander Augustus Marcus Julius Gessius Bassianus Alexianus (from birth to adoption); Caesar Marcus Aurelius Alexander (from adoption to accession)Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander Augustus |
| Imperial Dynasty | Severan |
| Father | Marcus Julius Gessius Marcianus |
| Mother | Julia Avita Mamaea |
Alexander Severus, also known as the Roman Emperor, was a figure of wealth and influence during his time. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to range between $100K to $1M, a testament to his vast riches and prosperous reign. Alexander Severus is hailed as one of the most notable Roman Emperors, leaving a lasting legacy in Italian history. His leadership and economic policies greatly contributed to the growth and stability of the empire, ensuring his place as a respected figure in Italy's rich cultural heritage.
"...the decline in the prestige of the Severan dynasty, the feeble nature of Alexander himself, who appeared to be no soldier and to be completely dominated by his mother's advice, and lack of real military success at a time during which the empire was coming under increasing pressure."
Upon his accession he reduced the silver purity of the denarius from 46.5% to 43% — the actual silver weight dropped from 1.41 grams to 1.30 grams; however, in 229 he revalued the denarius, increasing the silver purity and weight to 45% and 1.46 grams. The following year he decreased the amount of base metal in the denarius while adding more silver, raising the silver purity and weight again to 50.5% and 1.50 grams. Additionally, during his reign taxes were lightened; literature, art and science were encouraged; and, for the convenience of the people, loan offices were instituted for lending money at a moderate rate of interest.
Alexander was forced to face his German enemies in the early months of 235. By the time he and his mother arrived, the situation had settled, and so his mother convinced him that to avoid violence, trying to bribe the German army to surrender was the more sensible course of action. According to historians, it was this tactic combined with insubordination from his own men that destroyed his reputation and popularity. Pusillanimity was responsible for the revolt of Alexander’s army, resulting in Severus falling victim to the swords of his own men, following the nomination of Maximinus as Emperor.
