Thursday 12 March 2026 at 7.30pm

North Lecture: Emperor Septimius Severus and Roman Leicester’s links to North Africa.

Dr Simon Elliott, FSA Archaeologist and Historian.

The Severan Tondo, panel painting from circa AD 200. The panel depicts the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus with his family: to the left his wife Julia Domna, in front of them their sons Geta and Caracalla. Altes Museum, Berlin. Public Domain

Dr Simon Elliott FSA is an award winning and best-selling archaeologist, historian and broadcaster, with published works on various aspects of the ancient world and a particular focus on the Roman military. 

He is also the author of the  biography "The African Emperor: The Life of Septimius Severus". on which this talk will focus.

Septimius Severus (145-211 AD) ruled the Roman Empire from 193 to 211. Born in Leptis Magna (modern-day Libya), he was the first emperor of African origin. He rose through the military ranks and seized power during a period of civil war, establishing the Severan dynasty. He is known for his military campaigns in Parthia and Britain, as well as his reforms to the empire's military and administration.

The LAHS North Lecture is named after the late Alan and Joan North, long-standing members and supporters of the Society, who were particularly interested in the Roman Period. Further details on this are available here.

No booking necessary. Entry is free of charge.

Location: to be confirmed