The chapter on Severus in Scotland first follows the emperor's campaigns far beyond Britain. Its extract moves from victory against Parthia to new eastern frontier fortifications, a building program at Lepcis Magna, and operations against the Garamantes in North Africa. These episodes show an emperor combining conquest and annexation with roads, forts, civic building, and harbor construction. The account then turns to Britain, where renewed northern conflict offered the aging Severus another major military undertaking away from Rome's political struggles.
Chapter · 3:38-6:05
Severus's road to Britain
A sample from the book traces Septimius Severus's eastern and North African campaigning before renewed conflict drew him toward Britain.