In 193 A.D. in Ancient Rome, the Praetorian Guard assassinated the Emperor Pertinax and then auctioned off the throne to the highest bidder. A wealthy senator named Didius Julianus offered the high bid – the equivalent of $1,000 per guard. When word arrived of the death of Pertinax, a general named Septimus Severus decided he would like to be emperor. He didn’t have a lot of money, but he did have a loyal army. He promised his men riches and they marched the 800 miles to Rome. Severus met no opposition when he reached the capital. Didius Julianus was found hiding in the palace and was beheaded. He had been emperor for 66 days. It had not been a good investment.
– maroon 66
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