Murder of Roman Emperor Pertinax

Pertinax, Roman Emperor for a brief reign, was assassinated by members of the Praetorian Guard. His attempts to reform the empire and enforce discipline antagonized the imperial guards and the Roman elite.

The assassination occurred within the palace walls in Rome after only 86 days in power, leading to further instability and the auctioning of the empire to the highest bidder. This event marked the beginning of the Year of the Five Emperors.