The premise: Alexander Severus, rather than be assassinated in AD 235, lives to about 70 years old, dying somewhere around AD 278.
Which other Roman Emperor from history - and feel free to pick anyone from 31 BC to AD 1453 - would he most closely resemble? And why do you think that?
A few suggestions to kick things off:
- Marcus Aurelius, a talented academic and administrator, who became a skilled military leader by necessity.
- Honorius, who, while relatively long-lived, was a plaything of court officials.
- Theodosius II, an intellectual more interested in jurisprudence, who allowed more martially-minded officials to handle those affairs.
- Constantine, a visionary who saw the untapped potential of Christianity.
- Basil II, who endured being played as a pawn for years until he came into his own as a brilliant leader.
I limited my suggestion list to Emperors with long reigns, because they’re the most obvious, but I don’t want that to be the main point of comparison. If you think Alexander Severus would most resemble one of the Gordians if either had been long-lived, then thats fair game, as long as you can provide a compelling rationale.
Which other Roman Emperor from history - and feel free to pick anyone from 31 BC to AD 1453 - would he most closely resemble? And why do you think that?
A few suggestions to kick things off:
- Marcus Aurelius, a talented academic and administrator, who became a skilled military leader by necessity.
- Honorius, who, while relatively long-lived, was a plaything of court officials.
- Theodosius II, an intellectual more interested in jurisprudence, who allowed more martially-minded officials to handle those affairs.
- Constantine, a visionary who saw the untapped potential of Christianity.
- Basil II, who endured being played as a pawn for years until he came into his own as a brilliant leader.
I limited my suggestion list to Emperors with long reigns, because they’re the most obvious, but I don’t want that to be the main point of comparison. If you think Alexander Severus would most resemble one of the Gordians if either had been long-lived, then thats fair game, as long as you can provide a compelling rationale.