Didius Julianus

Marcus Didius Julianus (29 January 133 – 2 June 193) was Roman emperor from March to June 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors. He is known for having purchased the title of emperor in an auction run by the Praetorian Guard. His reign is a common delineation in the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.

Julianus had a successful political career, governing several provinces, including Dalmatia and Germania Inferior, and defeating 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 held 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. Septimius Severus, commander of the legions in Pannonia and the nearest of the generals to Rome, marched on the capital, gathering support along the way and routing cohorts of the Praetorian Guard Julianus sent to meet him. Abandoned by the Senate and the Praetorian Guard, Julianus was killed by a soldier in the palace and succeeded by Severus.