Septimius Severus

African-born general who emerged victor of the civil war following Commodus's murder. He reorganized the army on the basis of personal loyalty to the emperor, raised soldiers' pay, and admitted Italians to the Praetorian Guard for the first time in centuries. Died on campaign in York attempting to subdue Caledonia. His parting advice to his sons reportedly was: "Be harmonious, enrich the soldiers, and despise the rest."