 In 173, Severus' kinsman Gaius Septimius Severus was appointed proconsul of the Province of Africa.The elder Severus chose his cousin as one of his two "legati pro praetore", a senior military appointment.Following the end of this term, Septimius Severus returned to Rome, taking up office as tribune of the plebs, a senior legislative position, with the distinction of being the "candidatus" of the emperor.