ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

On March 28th, 193, Didius Julianus became emperor of Rome. Is it just me, or is that a name that Bart Simpson would totally make fun of?

Earlier on that same day, the Praetorian Guard decided they no longer wanted Pertinax as ruler, so they murdered him. Then they auctioned off the empty throne to the highest bidder, who was Didius Julianus.

He didn’t make any friends during his short reign and was often greeted in the streets with groans and shouts. After 66 days as emperor, Didius Julianus was murdered on June 2, 193, by one of his own soldiers. Maybe if he’d changed his name, things would have worked out better for him? Naw.