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Roman Emperor Didius Julianus is assassinated 66 days into his reign

Marcus Didius Julianus (29 January 133 – 2 June 193) was Roman emperor from March to June 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors. Julianus had a successful political career, governing several...

Marcus Didius Julianus (29 January 133 – 2 June 193) was Roman emperor from March to June 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors.

Julianus had a successful political career, governing several provinces, including Dalmatia and Germania Inferior, and defeating the two Germanic tribes, the Chauci and Chatti. He was appointed to the consulship in 175 along with Pertinax as a reward, before being demoted by Commodus.

Julianus became emperor after winning an auction created by the Praetorian Guard, who had assassinated his predecessor Pertinax. A civil war ensued in which three rival generals laid claim to the imperial throne.

Historical Significance

Marcus Didius Julianus (29 January 133 – 2 June 193) was Roman emperor from March to June 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors.

Events Before

  1. Emperor Lo-Yang of China sees supernova MSH 15-52

    Emperor Lo-Yang of China sees supernova MSH 15-52

Events After

  1. BC Ptolemy V, aged 13, is crowned King of Ptolemaic Egypt at Memphis by the High Priest of Ptah; the Rosetta Stone is in

    BC Ptolemy V, aged 13, is crowned King of Ptolemaic Egypt at Memphis by the High Priest of Ptah; the Rosetta Stone is inscribed afterward to proclaim this event

  2. BC Coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han takes place, initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty's r

    BC Coronation ceremony of Liu Bang as Emperor Gaozu of Han takes place, initiating four centuries of the Han Dynasty's rule over China

  3. BC Battle of Zama: Hannibal Barca and the Carthaginian army are defeated by Roman legions under Scipio Africanus, ending

    BC Battle of Zama: Hannibal Barca and the Carthaginian army are defeated by Roman legions under Scipio Africanus, ending the Second Punic War

More from the 190s

BC Ptolemy V, aged 13, is crowned King of Ptolemaic Egypt at Memphis by the High Priest of Ptah; the Rosetta Stone is in

BC Ptolemy V, aged 13, is crowned King of Ptolemaic Egypt at Memphis by the High Priest of Ptah; the Rosetta Stone is inscribed afterward to proclaim this event

Roman Emperor Pertinax is assassinated by his Praetorian Guards, who then sell the throne in an auction to Didius Julian

Roman Emperor Pertinax is assassinated by his Praetorian Guards, who then sell the throne in an auction to Didius Julianus

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on June 2, 193?
Marcus Didius Julianus (29 January 133 – 2 June 193) was Roman emperor from March to June 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors. Julianus had a successful political career, governing several provinces, including Dalmatia and Germania Inferior, and defeating the two Germanic tribes, the Chauci and Chatti. He was appointed to the consulship in 175 along with Pertinax as a reward, before being demoted by Commodus.
Why is Roman Emperor Didius Julianus is assassinated 66 days into his reign significant?
Marcus Didius Julianus (29 January 133 – 2 June 193) was Roman emperor from March to June 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors.

Explore More

June 2 in HistoryYear 193