A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. Consul in A. D. 120, was made by Hadrian governor of Syria, and subsequently praefectus urbi, but was removed from the latter post in A. D. 138, because he expressed disapprobation at the adoption of Antoninus Pius, in consequence of his being anxious to gain the empire for himself. He was the maternal great-grandfather of the emperor M. Aurelius [see Vol. I. p. 439]. Severus was a friend of the younger Pliny, several of whose letters are addressed to him. (Capitolin. Spart. 5, 15, 24, M. Anton. 1 ; Plin. Ep. 1.22, 3.6, 5.1, et alibi.)