After the assassination of Emperor Commodus in 192 AD, the Roman Empire saw a brief period of instability and confusion regarding its leadership. The Senate, aiming to reject Commodus’s policies and restore order, proclaimed Pertinax as the new emperor.
Pertinax, a former military officer and a senator, is often remembered for his attempt to reform the administration and restore discipline within the empire. However, his reign was short-lived, lasting only about three months.
This swift transition reflects the turmoil within the Roman political system during this time, as various factions vied for power, ultimately leading to Pertinax’s assassination as well. The events following Commodus’s death paved the way for the Year of the Five Emperors in 193 AD, a period characterized by multiple claimants to the throne vying for control over the empire.