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Septimius Severus (145-211 AD), is not one of the better known Roman Emperors. However, he was one of the most important in the history of the Roman Empire. He was a very capable man, a successful administrator, and general. He reformed the government of Rome and won many victories on the battlefield. Under this Emperor, the Roman Empire reached its greatest extent and he founded a dynasty. Despite these real achievements, many regard Septimius Severus as fatally undermining Rome. In this article, the impact of the policies of Severus on Rome is evaluated. It will argue that this Emperor was a successful emperor in the short term but over the long term, his reign was to mark an important stage in the decline of Rome. Severus created a ‘military monarchy’, marginalized the Senate and his expansion of the army weakened the economy. He was at least partially responsible for the so-called ‘Crisis of the Third Century’ when the Roman Empire almost collapsed.

[[File: Septimius Severus Glyptothek Munich 357.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Bust of Septimius]]