Valerius Severus, known as Severus II, was of humble birth in northern Illyria (now Albania). He rose to a senior rank in the Roman army. On 1 May 305, Galerius made his friend Severus caesar and deputy-emperor of the Western Empire under Constantius I. On the death of Constantius I, Severus was promoted to Augustus by Galerius, in opposition to the acclamation of Constantius' son Constantine I by his own soldiers. When Maxentius, son of the retired emperor Maximian, revolted at Rome, Galerius sent Severus to suppress the rebellion. After Maxentius offered his father co-rule, Severus' soldiers deserted to Maximian, their old commander. Severus fled to Ravenna. Maximian offered to spare his life and treat him humanely if he surrendered peaceably. There are conflicting reports of his death. Severus was either killed at Ravenna or, despite Maximian's assurance, was displayed as a captive, imprisoned and executed.