THE POLICY OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS IN AFRICA

Abstract

Summary. The purpose of the study is to analyze and explain the policy of Septimius Severus in Africa. The research methodology is based on the principle of objectivity as well as on a scientific principle. The research is based on general scientific methods (analysis and synthesis, induction-deduction) and special historical methods. The scientific novelty is that for the first time in the Ukrainian historiography the article supports and substantiates the thesis about the expedition of 203 AD, the topic, which is not very popular in classical studies. The conclusions are as follows. During his reign Roman advancement in Africa became extensive. The main regions of Roman expansion were Numidia, Mauritania and Tripolitania. Septimius Severus personally did not take part in African campaigns. The African campaign was led by the legate of the Legio III Augusta – Quintus Anicius Faustus. The Romans carried out large-scale frontier fortification works. Frontier policy in the region was similar to that in Arabia. These measures helped Rome to control trade and emigration in the region. Roman possessions in Africa reached their maximum during the time of Septimius Severus. An analysis of the sources pointing to a possible expedition of Septimius Severus to Africa in 203 AD suggests that there is no direct indication to this event. Therefore, it is likely that the Roman emperor was only preparing for a trip that was later canceled for unknown reasons.