Libius Severus was elevated to emperor by Ricimer following the death of Majorian in 461. As was the case with Majorian, Leo the emperor of the East refused to acknowledge Severus as having any power.

Many historians state that Severus was like a puppet belonging to Ricimer but these claims cannot be substantiated as there is no record of anything being done during the reign that Severus held.  A series of coins that were minted did have Ricimers’ monogram on the back but there is very little to show for his time in power.

He died in 465 either of natural causes or was poisoned by Ricimer, and following his death was replaced by Anthemius.