March AD 235
Alexander killed, Maximinus emperor

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Alexander Severus's reign as emperor is one in which his mother, Julia Mamaea, holds great power. She even determines who Alexander should marry – and then forces his wife into exile and has her father murdered when she becomes jealous of their influence. Alexander faces war in the east, when a resurgent Persian empire conquers the Roman province of Mesopotamia in AD 230. The Persian war is indecisive and Alexander's reputation as a soldier is poor, although he claims a triumph in Rome. When trouble erupts on the German frontier, Alexander faces rebellion from the army, whose pay he has attempted to cut. He and his mother, who has been blamed for every problem facing Rome over the past 13 years, are killed by rebels led by Maximinus, the first common soldier to rise through the ranks to become emperor.

'Trembling and terrified out of his wits, Alexander just managed to get back to his tent. There, the reports say, he waited for his executioner, clinging to his mother and weeping and blaming her for his misfortunes. Maximinus was hailed with the title of Augustus by the whole army and sent a tribune with some centurions to kill Alexander. They burst into the tent and slaughtered the emperor, his mother and all those thought to be his friends or favourites.' Greek historian Herodian (AD 170-240)

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