particular, they pointed out the increasing burden, in the form of taxes and services, the civilian population had to bear to maintain the new and better-paid army. The large and ongoing increase in military expenditure caused problems for all of his successors. To maintain his enlarged military, he debased the Roman currency. Upon his accession he decreased the silver purity of the denarius from 81.5% to 78.5%, although the silver weight actually increased, rising from 2.40 grams to 2.46 grams. Nevertheless, the following year he debased the denarius again because of rising military expenditures. The silver purity decreased from 78.5% to 64.5%—the silver weight dropping from 2.46 grams to 1.98 grams. In 196 he reduced the purity and silver weight of the denarius again, to 54% and 1.82 grams, respectively. Severus' currency debasement was the largest since the reign of Nero, compromising the long-term strength of the economy. Severus was also distinguished for his buildings. Apart from the triumphal arch in the Roman Forum carrying his full name, he also built the Septizodium in Rome. He enriched his native city of Leptis Magna, including commissioning a triumphal arch on the occasion of his visit of 203. Severan dynasty family tree See also Bulla Felix Septimia gens Arcus Argentariorum dedicated by the money changers of Rome to the Severan family. References Citations Bibliography Mattingly, Harold & Edward A. Sydenham (1936) The Roman Imperial Coinage, vol. IV, part I, Pertinax to Geta, London, Spink & Son. External links Life of Septimius Severus (Historia Augusta at LacusCurtius: Latin text and English translation) Books 74, 75, 76 and 77 of Dio Cassius, covering the rise to power and reign of Septimius Severus Septimius Severus on Ancient History Encyclopedia Book 3 of Herodian De Imperatoribus Romanis Online encyclopaedia of Roman emperors Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome Septimius Severus in Scotland Arch of Septimius Severus in Lepcis Magna Coins issued by Septimius Severus THE LIFE AND REIGN OF THE EMPEROR LUCIUS SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, in BTM Format 145 births 211 deaths 2nd-century Roman emperors 3rd-century Roman emperors 2nd-century Punic people 3rd-century Punic people Imperial Roman consuls Roman governors of Gallia Lugdunensis Severan dynasty Ancient Romans in Britain Septimii Deified Roman emperors Romans from Africa Ancient Libyans People of the Roman–Parthian Wars Burials at the Castel Sant'Angelo Roman pharaohs