PER'TINAX, PUBLIITS HELvtus, Emperor of Rome. He was born, according to Dio Cassius, at Alba-Pompeia, a Roman colony of Liguria, A.D. 126. He received a good education, and, entering the military service, rose through the various grades till he obtained the command of the First Legion, at the head of which he signal ized himself in Rhaitia and Noricum against the native tribes. In 179, or, according to other au thorities, in 172, lie was chosen consul, aided in repressing the revolt of Avitus in Syria, and was Governor successively of the provinces of Alcesin, Dacia, and Syria. Ile was sent by the Emperor Commodus to take the command of the turbulent legions in Britain. and these troops, against his will. proclaimed him Emperor; on which he so licited a recall, and was appointed proconsul of Africa, prefect of Rome. and consul (a second time) in 192. (hi the death of Commodus. his
assassins almost forced Pertinax to accept the purple, which with great hesitation he did (Janu ary 1, 193), but in spite of his promise of a large donation, he was unable to gain over the Prze torian Guard. His accession was, however. hailed with delight by the Senate and people, who were rejoiced to have, as ruler, an able captain, in stead of a ferocious debauchee; and Pertinax. en couraged by this favorable reception, announced his intention of carrying out an extensive series of reforms, having reference chiefly to the army, in which he hoped to rastablish the ancient Roman discipline. Unfortunately. he was at tacked by a band of the rebellious prxtorians, about three months after his accession, and, dis daining to flee, was slain (Mandl 28, 193). His head was carried about the streets of Rome in triumph.