Libius Severus (also referred to as Severus III) is one of the emperors we know almost nothing about, even though he ruled for nearly four years. He was a native of Lucania and was proclaimed emperor at Ravenna by the mighty general Ricimer. Severus' death is surrounded by mystery. Ancient sources tell us that he was either poisoned or died of natural causes. The event might have the work of Ricimer since his puppet emperor was not recognized by the eastern emperor Leo I. Libius Severus' coins are of finer gold than those of the preceding rulers.