This debasing of the Empire caused an immediate reaction among the province commanders. At least three expressed their disgust and declared their intension to assume the position of emperor: Clodius Albinus, governor of Britain, Pescennius Niger, governor of Syria, and Septimius Severus, governor of Upper Pannonia near the middle Danube. Severus had two advantages over the others and they contributed to his eventual success: he was closest to Rome and more aggressive. While Niger dawdled and Albinus was content with a Severus offer of truce, the latter packed up his army and marched to Rome, making the entire 800 mile journey in 40 days. Julianus’ execution was the first order of business after which Severus turned his attention to the Praetorians. He ordered them to muster in a field outside the city walls without weapons. They were surrounded by the Illyrian army with spears pointed at them.
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