Severus was one of last emperors to engage in a massive building programme and restorations after the earthquake and fire of AD 191 during the reign of Commodus (described by Herodian 1.14, 2-4). Not only was the Temple of Peace destroyed by the fire, the Temple of Vesta was also severely affected so that the Palladion was visible to everyone. Cinti suggests that most of the damage seems to have occurred in the Forum and slopes of Palatine. The Temple of Peace seems to have been the structure most seriously damaged and received the most restoration. In addition, the Portico of Octavia was restored in AD 203 (the fact that material from earlier epochs was re-used sets this apart from the other restorations). So the earthquake and fire at the end of Commodus’ reign gave Severus a precious opportunity to restore, reconstruct, or simply embellish buildings of preceding epochs. No building was demolished but efforts were made to respect what remained. The emperor was possibly using this opportunity to create a bond with the citizens.
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