Pertinax

Born 1 August 126 to a freedman, Publius Helvius Pertinax climbed through the military ranks, distinguishing himself in the Roman-Parthian War of 161-166 and moving through a succession of governorships and senior commands. He sat in the Senate alongside the historian Cassius Dio. When Commodus was assassinated, Pertinax was chosen emperor in early 193 - the first ruler of what became the Year of the Five Emperors. He set about restoring army discipline and stabilizing imperial finances, reforms that cost him his life: the Praetorian Guard killed him on 28 March 193, after just 87 days. Septimius Severus later deified him and promoted his memory as part of his own claim to power. Ancient and modern writers alike regard Pertinax as capable and conscientious, a man undone by the moment.