s88 Ancient Roman Severus Alexander Sestertius 221 AD Start Price AUD 125.00 Current Price AUD 125.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, July 01, 2008 End Time Tuesday, July 08, 2008 Location WE SHIP WORLDWIDE See more about 's88 Ancient Roman Severus Alexander Sestertius 221 AD' Description   Be sure to check our other fine Ancient Coins on eBay Click here to see our other auctions  Genuine Ancient Roman Coin Alexander Severus 221 - 235 AD ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Type: Brass Sestertius Condition: Very Fine Size: 31mm Alexander Severus (205-235) Marcus Julius Gessius Alexianusborn on 1 October AD 208 at Arca Caesarea in Phoenicia. Consul AD 222, 226, 229. Became emperor in 13 March AD 222. Wife: Sallustia Orbiana. Died in Rome, March AD 235. That a 16 year old could take office as emperor of the Roman empire and rule for thirteen years with more than moderate success was due partly to the fact that he was a sensible, likeable lad who knew his limitations and was prepared to take advice, and partly to his mother, Julia Mammaea, who recognized who would give the soundest advice. The historians are full of praises of the virtues of the young emperor, the restoration of tranquility, the revival of prosperity which had suffered grievously from the merciless and capricious taxation imposed to meet the extravagances of the two last reigns. Probably the controlling spirit of government for some years was Mamaea, who exercised a supreme influence over the son, whom she trained and guided. In the civil administration Alexander was guided by a selected council of state.But the problem of effective control was rendered for him more difficult than it had been for the Antonines, through the failure of military discipline an the insubordination of the rank and file of the soldiery for which Caracalla was mainly responsible. Alexander owed his throne, probably his life, to the praetorians who therefore deeply resented any attempts to curb their powers and privileges. The young emperor in person led Roman armies on one great campaign against the eastern power which now again bore the Persian instead of the Parthian name. Trajan at the beginning, and Cassius Avidius in the second half of the second century had struck heavy blows against the long formidable Arsacid power. Severus also had conducted a vigorous campaign against the Parthians. But now the Arsacids had been swept away by a Persian chief, the founder of the Sassanid dynasty, who assumed the old Persian name Ardashir (Artaxerxes) and was bent on nothing less than the recovery of the old Persian empire. He deliberately challenged Rome, telling its emperor to withdraw from Asia. Alexander took up the challenge. The emperor returned from the campaign to report to the senate of great victories won against immense odds. It seem clear however that the honours on the whole rested with the Persians, despite suffering heavy defeats in battle, had not in fact lost any territory. While it would appear that the personal prestige ofArdashir was enhanced, Alexander's failure to sufficiently impress a soldiery already disposed to mutiny was fatal. Alexander had scarcely returned to Rome when he was summoned to the northern frontier to deal with the German hordes. In AD 235 the soldiery mutinied and Alexander and his mother were both set upon and murdered at the fortress town of Mainz. Shipping & Handling: Australia $4.00 International $5.90 WE OFFER A 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY AND SATISFACTION ON OUR ANTIQUITIES. IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH YOUR PURCHASE RETURN IT IN ORIGINAL CONDITION WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIPT FOR A FULL PURCHASE PRICE REFUND. AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED FOR ETERNITY.The purchase price is the auction bid total and excludes shipping and handling.  Please contact us at artifact@bigpond.net.au with any questions or comments. Australian Residents: Payment by Paypal, Cheque or Money Order (within 7 days of auction close) Shipping & Handling is as listed above.Credit Card & Direct Deposit  www.paypal.com.au - sellers email is artifact@bigpond.net.au We do not accept payments direct to our bank account.Cheque or Money Order to: Archeology Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 5058, Sandhurst East, Victoria 3550. International Residents: Payment by Paypal (strictly within 7 days of auction close) Shipping & Handling is as listed above.Credit Card and Direct Deposit www.paypal.com - sellers email artifact@bigpond.net.auPayments are accepted in Aussie Dollars only.  Members: Numismatic Association of Australia       Member: Archaeological & Anthropological Society of Victoria (Australia) Member: American Numismatics Association International Currency conversions at www.xe.com We only accept payment in Australian (AUD)Click here to see our other auctions. Be sure to check our other fine Ancient Coins on eBay   Powered by eBay Turbo Lister Place a Bid!