Although Roman settlers colonized Leptis Magna in the first century BC, nevertheless the Punic presence was strong. It was even rumored that Punic blood ran in the veins of the leading citizens, including Septimius Severus. When Severus came to the throne he took up residence in the Imperial palace on the Palatine Hill in Rome, and, like all good Roman emperors, beautified the capital city. Severus never forgot his hometown, however. He lavished attention on the city of Leptis Magna, renovating the city by building a new forum, basilica, bath building, market place and harbor.

Severus also built a large temple to the Genius (spirit) of the Severan family and a 4-way arch decorated with reliefs depicting himself and his family, driving home the message that Severus had founded a new dynasty that would rule the Empire for many generations. His wife, Julia Domna, the daughter of a Syrian high priest, was as exotic as Severus himself. Legend had it that he married her because a prophecy had declared that whomever she wed would become a king. They had two sons, Caracalla and Geta, and Severus planned that they would have jointrule of Rome upon his death. However, destiny took a hand. Severus died suddenly on campaign in the north of England, Caracalla murdered Geta, and Julia Domna starved herself to death. Within thirty years of Severus’ usurpation of the throne, Rome was once again thrown into civil war.

Although the dynasty of the Severans was short lived, the spectacular ruins at Leptis Magna, in today’s Lybya, survive and can be visited today.

Join Dr. Tobin on our trip to Libya departing on Sept. 8, 2006.

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