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Pertinax Biography

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PERTINAX, PUBLIUS HELVIUS. Emperor of Rome. He was born, according to Dio Cassius, at Alba Pompeia, a Roman colony of Liguria, 126 A.D. He received a good education. and, entering the military service, rose through the various grades till he obtained the command of the First Legion, at the head of which he signalized himself in Rhætia and Noricum against the native tribes. 1n 179 or, according to other authorities, in 172, he was chosen consul, aided in repressing the revolt of Avitus in Syria, and was governor successively of the provinces of Mœsia, Dacia, and Syria. He was sent by the Emperor Commodus to take the command of the turbulent legions in Britain, and these troops, against his will, proclaimed him Emperor; on which he solicited a recall, and was appointed proconsul of Africa, prefect of Rome, and consul (a second time) in 192. On the death of Commodus his assassins almost forced Pertinax to accept the purple, which with great hesitation he did (Jan. 1, 193) , but, in spite of his promise of a large donation, he was unable to gain over the prætorian Guard. His accession was, however, hailed with delight by the Senate and the people, who were rejoiced to have as ruler an able captain instead of a ferocious debauchee; and Pertinax, encouraged by this favorable reception, announced his intention of carrying out an extensive series of reforms, having reference chiefly to the army, in which he hoped to reestablish the ancient Roman discipline. Unfortunately, he was attacked by a band of the rebellious praetorians, about three months after his accession, and, disdaining to flee, was slain (March 28, 193). His head was carried about the streets of Rome in triumph.

The New International Encyclopaedia, Vol. XVIII (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920) 395.