Pertinax

Pertinax, HELVIUS, Roman emperor, was born, according to Dio Cassius, at Alba-Pompeia, a Roman colony of Liguria, August 1, 126 A.D. He received a good education, and, entering the military service, rose through the various grades till he obtained the command of the first legion, at the head of which he signalised himself in Rhætia and Noricum against the native tribes. In 179 he was chosen consul, aided to repress the revolt of Avitus in Syria, and was governor successively of the provinces of Mæsia, Dacia, and Syria. The Emperor Commodus sent him to take the command of the turbulent legions in Britain, who against his will proclaimed him emperor; thereupon he solicited to be recalled, and was appointed pro-consul of Africa, prefect of Rome, and consul (a second time) in 192. On the death of Commodus his assassins almost forced Pertinax to accept of the purple, which with great hesitation he did; but, in spite of his promise of a large donation, he was unable to gain over the prætorian guard. His accession was, however, hailed with delight by the senate and people, who were rejoiced to have as ruler an able captain instead of a ferocious debauchee; and Pertinax, encouraged by this favourable reception, announced his intention of carrying out an extensive series of reforms, having reference chiefly to the army, in which he hoped to re-establish the ancient Roman discipline. Unfortunately for his reforms and himself, he was attacked by a band of the rebellious prætorians, two months and twenty-seven days after his accession, and, disdaining to flee, was slain, and his head carried about the streets of Rome in triumph.