Pescennius Niger's claim to the purple lasted less than two years. Proclaimed emperor by his Syrian legions in 193 AD following the murder of Pertinax, he controlled the wealthy eastern provinces but never consolidated enough support to challenge Septimius Severus effectively. His defeat at the Battle of Issus in 194 AD ended the bid, and he was captured and executed shortly after. The FIDEI EXERCITVI type — an appeal to the loyalty of the army — was precisely the political currency Niger depended on, minted at Antioch to keep his troops persuaded.
Pescennius Niger's claim to the purple lasted less than two years. Proclaimed emperor by his Syrian legions in 193 AD following the murder of Pertinax, he controlled the wealthy eastern provinces but never consolidated enough support to challenge Septimius Severus effectively. His defeat at the Battle of Issus in 194 AD ended the bid, and he was captured and executed shortly after. The FIDEI EXERCITVI type — an appeal to the loyalty of the army — was precisely the political currency Niger depended on, minted at Antioch to keep his troops persuaded.