Emperor Alexander Severus: Rome's Age of Insurrection, AD 222–235

Emperor Alexander Severus: Rome's Age of Insurrection, AD 222–235

by McHugh, John S.

4.2 (38)
503 pages~8.4 hr readPublished by Pen and Sword History

$14.9938% off peak

Last checked: Apr 25, 2026

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Fans of these authors will like this...

  • Mary Beard
  • Adrian Goldsworthy
  • Tom Holland

Fans of these books will like this...

  • The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
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Perfect for you if...

  • You're fascinated by Roman history and want to understand the political machinery that toppled emperors from within.
  • You enjoy revisionist histories that challenge what ancient sources claim versus what actually happened on the ground.
  • You're interested in how young leaders navigate impossible situations: managing dominant mothers, mutinous armies, and hostile empires.

Maybe not for you if...

  • You want a narrative-driven biography with character development. This is a scholarly reassessment of competing historical accounts.
  • You prefer books that paint their subjects as straightforward heroes or villains rather than complex contradictions.
  • You're looking for a quick overview. At 503 pages, this is a deep dive into a thirteen-year reign that demands engagement with primary sources.

About this book

Alexander Severus' reign was marked by contradictions and controversy. He ascended to power following the murder of his cousin Elagabalus and was himself assassinated years later. His rule encompassed frequent uprisings, rebellions, court intrigue—including the Praetorian Guard killing their commander before the Emperor—and foreign invasions. Ancient sources, however, characterize his reign as a golden age of just government, prosperity, and religious tolerance. Alexander became emperor before age fourteen and was heavily influenced by his mother, Julia Mammaea, and advisors including the historian Cassius Dio. Militarily, he contained Sassanid Persian aggression, though some sources describe his Persian campaign as costly, marked by mutiny and defeats that damaged the army. In 234, Germanic and Sarmatian tribes crossed the Rhine and Danube frontiers. Alexander led forces against them but attempted to negotiate for time. His soldiers interpreted this as weakness, assassinated him, and elevated the soldier Maximinus Thrax as his successor.

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Free$11.99$23.99Apr '20Nov '23Sep '24Apr '26
$0.99$23.99

Currently on sale at $14.99 — 38% off peak. Price has dropped 36 times over the last 6 years. Goes on sale roughly every 54 days. Typically stays discounted for 4 days.

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#115,527#919,592#1,723,656Jul '18Jul '23May '24Mar '26

Currently around #1,431K in the Kindle store — a niche title. Sales have softened 30% recently.

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3.5★4.3★5.0★Jul '23Oct '23RatingReviews

Currently 4.2★ from 38 reviews

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McHugh, John S.

1 book on Vagrant Press

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