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AR Denarius 193--195 A.D. 16 mm. Obv. D CLODIVS ALBIN CAES: Bare head right Rev. MINER PACIF COS II: Minerva standing left, holding a branch, spear, and shield C. 48, Van Meter 15/1 |
Albinus was the Governor of Britain when the bloody shakeout and high-emperor turnover was happening in Rome. He struck a deal with Septimius Severus under which he acknowledged Severus as Augustus in return for the title of Caesar. Initially this setup was agreeable to Albinus but Severus little by little began positioning himself in the customary fashion of a dynast. Albinus recognized that if Severus's sons were being groomed for imperial roles this could only lead to contesting of the initial agreement down the road and, so, he took matters into his own hands and had himself declared emperor.
His timing was good because Severus had his hands full at the time warring in Persia and the Senate despised Severus anyway. Albinus then packed up the main body of his army and began moving towards Rome to solidify his claim there. However, Severus acted quickly and withdrew from the conflicts out east to settle the score with Albinus. By careful maneuvering he was able to intercept the main forces of Albinus, cut off their supplies and engage his weakened armies which were subsequently obliterated. For his part Albinus committed suicide when all was lost for certain. Severus then returned to Rome where he had those in the Senate who had vouched for Albinus executed for treason.
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