Sextus Julius Severus

Sextus Julius Severus was an accomplished Roman General of the 2nd century.

Julius Severus served as Governor of Moesia; he was appointed Governor of Britain around 131.

In 133 he was transferred to Judea, to help suppress the Bar Kochba rebellion there. Because of his military reputation, historians have seen him as a troubleshooter, sent to troublesome provinces to bring peace through war and his presence has been taken as indication of unrest in Britain at the time. There is no archaeological evidence to suggest fighting in Britain under his governorship although a reference by the orator Fronto to many soldiers dying in Britain under Hadrian's reign may refer to trouble at this time.

"Soon [AD132], however, all Judaea had been stirred up, and the Jews everywhere were showing signs of disturbance ... Hadrian sent against them his best generals. The first of these was Julius Severus, who was dispatched from Britain, where he was governor, against the Jews." Cassius Dio History of Rome LXIX.xiii.1-2 - Epitome of Xiphilinus