Septimius Severus’ death in the Epitome de Caesaribus

The representation of Septimius Severus’ death in the historiographical sources (from Cassius Dio and Herodianus to Aurelius Victor and HA) highlights, through a comparative reading, the specific and detailed depiction of the Epitome de Caesaribus. The analysis of medical texts on the podagra, from which the emperor suffered, shows the scientific knowledge of the anonymous author who provides an original interpretation of the illness and the death of the emperor.

Keywords: Septimius Severus, Epitome de Caesaribus, Cassius Dio, Herodianus, HA, venenum.