Severus Alexander (222–235 CE)
- 1. Severus Alexander, who reigned as Roman Emperor from 222 to 235 CE, was a member of the Severan dynasty and is often remembered for his relatively peaceful and reformist rule during a turbulent period in Roman history. Born on October 1, 208 CE, in the city of Arles, he was the son of the powerful general and emperor, Maximinus Thrax, and the first cousin of the influential Julia Mamaea. Ascending to the throne at a young age following the assassination of his cousin Elagabalus, Alexander was heavily influenced by his mother, who acted as a regent and attempted to guide his policies towards stability and moderation. His reign is characterized by efforts to restore the authority of the emperor after the excesses and chaos of the previous rule. Alexander is well-remembered for his military campaigns aimed at defending the empire's borders, particularly against threats from the Germanic tribes and the Persian Empire, and for promoting moral virtues and a return to traditional Roman values. Despite his attempts at reform and maintaining peaceful relations, his dependence on the military and political elites would ultimately lead to challenges from within, culminating in his assassination in 235 CE by discontented troops. This marked the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of severe instability which would see over twenty emperors rise and fall within a few decades. Despite the brevity of his reign and the trials he faced, Severus Alexander's legacy is that of a youthful leader striving for a balance between military might and the upholding of civic virtue.
What years did Severus Alexander rule as Roman Emperor?
A) 200–205 CE
B) 235–250 CE
C) 222–235 CE
D) 210–215 CE
- 2. Who was Severus Alexander's mother?
A) Julia Domna
B) Livia Drusilla
C) Julia Mamaea
D) Agrippina the Younger
- 3. What was Severus Alexander's full name?
A) Lucius Septimius Severus
B) Gaius Julius Caesar Severus
C) Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander
D) Tiberius Claudius Severus
- 4. Which famous philosopher influenced Severus Alexander's administration?
A) Plato
B) Epicurus
C) Marcus Aurelius
D) Seneca
- 5. In which year was Severus Alexander murdered?
A) 240 CE
B) 235 CE
C) 220 CE
D) 230 CE
- 6. What nickname was given to Severus Alexander?
A) The Just
B) The Warrior
C) The Peaceful
D) Alexander Severus
- 7. Severus Alexander was part of which Roman dynasty?
A) Severan Dynasty
B) Julio-Claudian Dynasty
C) Flavian Dynasty
D) Constantinian Dynasty
- 8. Severus Alexander was known for his relationship with which group?
A) The plebeians
B) The Christian community
C) The senatorial class
D) The military
- 9. What was the nature of Severus Alexander's death?
A) Killed in battle
B) Killed in a mutiny
C) Assassinated by a senator
D) Died of natural causes
- 10. Severus Alexander was extensively influenced by which of his family members?
A) His mother, Julia Mamaea
B) His father, Severus
C) His uncle, Caracalla
D) His grandmother
- 11. Who succeeded Severus Alexander?
A) Gordian I
B) Philip the Arab
C) Caracalla
D) Maximinus Thrax
- 12. Severus Alexander was brought to power at what age?
A) 20
B) 16
C) 14
D) 18
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