Didius Julianus, Roman emperor (d. 193)

Marcus Didius Julianus, born on either January 29, 133, or 137 CE, experienced one of the most tumultuous and brief reigns in Roman history, serving as Roman emperor for merely nine weeks from March to June in 193 CE. His short tenure is notably enshrined within the infamous period known as the Year of the Five Emperors, a catastrophic epoch marked by unprecedented political instability, civil strife, and a rapid succession of claimants to the imperial throne following the assassination of Emperor Commodus.

Before his unlikely ascent to the purple, Julianus cultivated a remarkably promising political and military career within the Roman Empire's intricate administrative structure. His distinguished service included governing several significant Roman provinces, such as Dalmatia, located in the Balkans, and Germania Inferior, a strategically vital frontier province along the Rhine River. During his time in these capacities, Julianus demonstrated military competence by successfully defeating the Chauci and Chatti, two formidable Germanic tribes that frequently posed threats to Roman borders through their incursions.

His impressive achievements were recognized with the highest civilian honor in the Roman Republic and Empire: the consulship. In 175 CE, Julianus was appointed to this prestigious office alongside Pertinax, who would later become his immediate predecessor as emperor. This appointment signified the pinnacle of his early career, yet its trajectory dramatically shifted. Julianus subsequently faced a demotion under the volatile reign of Emperor Commodus, whose increasingly paranoid and tyrannical rule led to the marginalization of many capable senators and officials. Following this political setback, Julianus' once-bright career languished, seemingly dimming his prospects for further advancement until a dramatic turn of events unfolded.

The Unprecedented Auction of the Roman Empire

Julianus' path to the imperial throne was perhaps one of the most scandalous and historically unique in Roman annals, as he literally purchased the position. Following the assassination of Emperor Pertinax on March 28, 193 CE, by disgruntled elements of the Praetorian Guard—the elite personal bodyguard of the Roman emperors—the Guard, audacious in their power, put the emperorship up for auction. They publicly offered the imperial title to the highest bidder, a shocking affront to Roman tradition and dignity.

In an act that underscored the Praetorian Guard's immense and unchecked influence at the time, Julianus outbid Sulpicianus, Pertinax's father-in-law and the city prefect, by reportedly offering 25,000 sestertii to each Praetorian Guard soldier. This unprecedented transaction saw Marcus Didius Julianus formally declared emperor, but his legitimacy was immediately questioned by both the Roman populace and powerful military commanders across the empire.

The Year of the Five Emperors: A Civil War Ignites

Julianus' purchased reign triggered an immediate and widespread civil war across the Roman Empire, as his dubious claim to the throne was fiercely challenged. The year 193 CE earned its notorious moniker, the Year of the Five Emperors, because four other prominent figures laid claim to the imperial throne either before or during Julianus' brief reign: Pertinax (assassinated), Septimius Severus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus. Julianus found himself at the epicenter of this tumultuous power struggle, facing three formidable rival generals who commanded vast legions.

Septimius Severus wasted no time in asserting his claim. Recognizing the strategic advantage of proximity, he promptly marched his legions from Pannonia towards the capital. His advance was swift and decisive; along the way, he expertly garnered support from various local authorities and military units. Julianus, acutely aware of the impending threat, attempted to counter Severus by dispatching cohorts of the very Praetorian Guard who had installed him. However, these Praetorian forces, poorly disciplined and lacking proper military training compared to Severus' battle-hardened legions, were swiftly routed, proving ineffective against the determined advance.

Abandoned and Assassinated: The Fall of Julianus

As Septimius Severus' forces closed in on Rome, Marcus Didius Julianus found himself increasingly isolated and abandoned. The Roman Senate, recognizing the shifting tide of power and Severus' growing strength, withdrew its support. Crucially, even the Praetorian Guard, his original benefactors, deserted him, effectively sealing his fate. Faced with an unstoppable force and betrayed by his only allies, Julianus' position became untenable. The Senate, now fully siding with Severus, passed a decree condemning Julianus to death.

On June 2, 193 CE, Marcus Didius Julianus was killed by a soldier in the imperial palace, bringing his tumultuous nine-week reign to an abrupt and ignominious end. He was succeeded by Septimius Severus, whose victory marked the beginning of the Severan dynasty and a period of relative stability after the chaos of the Year of the Five Emperors. Julianus' reign remains a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked military power and the profound instability that could grip the Roman Empire during periods of contested succession.

FAQs about Marcus Didius Julianus and the Year of the Five Emperors

Who was Marcus Didius Julianus?
Marcus Didius Julianus was a Roman senator and general who briefly reigned as Roman emperor for nine weeks in 193 CE, notable for purchasing the imperial throne from the Praetorian Guard.
What was the "Year of the Five Emperors"?
The "Year of the Five Emperors" refers to the tumultuous year 193 CE in Roman history when five different individuals either claimed or held the title of Roman emperor: Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus, and Septimius Severus. This period was characterized by intense civil war and political instability.
How did Didius Julianus become emperor?
Didius Julianus became emperor by buying the position from the Praetorian Guard. After they assassinated Emperor Pertinax, the Guard openly auctioned off the imperial throne to the highest bidder, an unprecedented and scandalous event.
How long did Marcus Didius Julianus reign?
Marcus Didius Julianus reigned for only nine weeks, from March 28 to June 2, 193 CE.
Who succeeded Marcus Didius Julianus?
Marcus Didius Julianus was succeeded by Septimius Severus, who marched on Rome, defeated Julianus' forces, and subsequently became emperor, establishing the Severan dynasty.