The Senate he reduced to a nonentity.
After securing the capital, Severus carried on a campaign against the Parthians, and was victorious over the rulers of Mesopotamia and Arabia.
In 203 he erected, in commemoration of these victories, a magnificent arch, which still stands at the head of the Forum.

He died at Eboracum (York), in Britain, while making preparations for a campaign against the Caledonians.
CARACALLA, MACRINUS, AND HELIOGABALUS.
Severus left two sons, both of whom he had associated with himself in the government.

No sooner was he dead than they quarrelled, and the elder, CARACALLA, murdered the other with his own hand in the presence of their mother.
Caracalla was blood-thirsty and cruel.

After a short reign (211-216) he was murdered by one of his soldiers.

By him were begun the famous baths which bore his name, and of which extensive remains still exist.
Caracalla was succeeded by MACRINUS, who reigned but one year, and was followed by HELIOGABALUS (218-222), a priest of the sun, a true Oriental, with but few virtues.