Clodius Albinus was governor of Britain, when Pertinax was killed by the Praetorian Guard. After the death of Pertinax, the job as emperor was auctioned by the Praetorian Guard. Didius Julianus made the highest bid in anual salary for the members of the Praetorian Guard and was accepted as emperor. The population of Rome was disgusted and some riots occured. This news was spread throughout the empire and the soldiers at the Roman borders didn't accept the situation. The legions of Syria proclaimed Pescennius Niger as emperor, the legions of Pannonia and Illyricum Septimius Severus. Clodius Albinus was proclaimed emperor by the legions in Britain, Gaul and Roman Germania.
Septimius Severus was closest to Rome. He occupied the city and was quickly accepted as emperor by Italy. Clodius Albinus kept his troops at the borders. Septimius Severus made Clodius Albinus as his successor by proclaiming him as Caesar and Albinus agreed with Severus being the new emperor.