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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

Publius Helvius Pertinax (1 August 126 – 28 March 193) was Roman emperor for the first three months of 193, succeeding Commodus and becoming the first ruler of the turbulent Year of the Five Emperors.

The son of a freedman, Pertinax rose from modest origins through a military career. He distinguished himself in the Roman–Parthian War of 161–166 and went on to hold a succession of governorships and senior commands. He also sat in the Roman Senate, where he was a contemporary of the historian Cassius Dio.

After the assassination of Commodus, Pertinax was chosen emperor. He aimed at restoring army discipline and imperial financial stability, but his reforms angered the Praetorian Guard, who killed him after just 87 days.

Historical Significance

Publius Helvius Pertinax (1 August 126 – 28 March 193) was Roman emperor for the first three months of 193, succeeding Commodus and becoming the first ruler of the turbulent 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 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...

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 28, 193?
Publius Helvius Pertinax (1 August 126 – 28 March 193) was Roman emperor for the first three months of 193, succeeding Commodus and becoming the first ruler of the turbulent Year of the Five Emperors. The son of a freedman, Pertinax rose from modest origins through a military career. He distinguished himself in the Roman–Parthian War of 161–166 and went on to hold a succession of governorships and senior commands.
Why is Roman Emperor Pertinax is assassinated by his Praetorian Guards, who then sel... significant?
Publius Helvius Pertinax (1 August 126 – 28 March 193) was Roman emperor for the first three months of 193, succeeding Commodus and becoming the first ruler of the turbulent Year of the Five Emperors.

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March 28 in HistoryYear 193