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. Septim…