Sextus Julius Severus

Categories: Ancient Romans | Roman governors of Britain | Roman generals

Sextus Julius Severus was an accomplished Roman general of the 2nd century AD.

He was consul in 127 and then served as governor of Moesia; he was appointed governor of Roman Britain around AD 131.

In 133 he was transferred to Judea to help suppress the Bar Kochba rebellion there. Because of his military reputation, historians have seen him as a troubleshooter, sent to troublesome provinces to bring peace through war and his presence has been taken as indication of unrest in Britain at the time. There is no archaeological evidence to suggest fighting in Britain under his governorship although a reference by the orator Fronto to many soldiers dying in Britain under Hadrian's reign may refer to trouble at this time.

Preceded by: possibly Trebius Germanus

Roman governors of Britain

Followed by: Publius Mummius Sisenna