Background
Pertinax was born on August 1, 126 in t Alba Pompeia in Liguria (now Italy). He was the son of a charcoal-burner.
Pertinax was born on August 1, 126 in t Alba Pompeia in Liguria (now Italy). He was the son of a charcoal-burner.
Pertinax studied literature and became a teacher.
From being a teacher of grammar he rose through many important offices, both civil and military, to the consulate, which he held twice.
He fought in the war with the Parthians during the 160s, and success there led to higher-ranking positions in both the military and political spheres, including provincial governor and urban prefect. He was also a member of the Roman Senate, where he was a contemporary of the historian Cassius Dio.
Chosen, at an advanced age and against his will, on the 1st of January 193, to succeed Commodus, he was himself assassinated in a mutiny of the soldiers, on the 28th of March 193.
Quotes from others about the person
“Pertinax was as excellent and upright man, but he ruled only a very short time, and was then put out of the way by the soldiers. ”
His wife was Flavia Titiana.
