The cultural and military power of the Blemmyes started to grow to such a level that in 193, Pescennius Niger asked a Blemmye king of Thebes to help him in the battle against the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. In 250, the Roman Emperor Decius put in much effort to defeat an invading army of Blemmyes.
The Blemmyes' influence and military power grew significantly by 193, prompting Pescennius Niger to seek their assistance against the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. Later, in 250, Roman Emperor Decius engaged in a major effort to combat an invading Blemmye army.