Legate (ancient Rome) in the context of "Lucius Julius Caesar (consul 64 BC)"

Play Trivia Questions online!

or

Skip to study material about Legate (ancient Rome) in the context of "Lucius Julius Caesar (consul 64 BC)"

Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Legate (ancient Rome)

A legate (Latin: legatus, Classical Latin: [ɫeːˈɡaːtʊs]) was a high-ranking military officer in the Roman army, equivalent to a modern-era general officer. Initially used to delegate power, the term became formalised under Augustus as the officer in command of a Roman legion.

From the times of the Roman Republic, legates received large shares of the military's rewards at the end of a successful campaign. This made the position a lucrative one, so it could often attract even distinguished consuls or other high-ranking political figures within Roman politics (e.g., the consul Lucius Julius Caesar volunteered late in the Gallic Wars as a legate under his first cousin, Gaius Julius Caesar).

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<
In this Dossier

Legate (ancient Rome) in the context of Year of the Four Emperors

The Year of the Four Emperors, AD 69, was the first civil war of the Roman Empire, during which four emperors ruled in succession, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. It is considered an important interval, marking the change from the Julio-Claudians, the first imperial dynasty, to the Flavian dynasty. There were several rebellions and claimants, with shifting allegiances and turmoil in Rome and the provinces.

In 68, Vindex, legate of Gallia Lugdunensis, revolted against Nero and encouraged Galba, governor of Hispania, to claim the Empire. The latter was proclaimed emperor by his legion in early April. He was notably supported by Otho, legate of Lusitania. Soon after, the legate of a legion in Africa, Clodius Macer, also rebelled against Nero. Vindex was defeated by the Rhine legions at the Battle of Vesontio, but they too rebelled against Nero. On 9 June 68, Nero took his own life after being declared a public enemy by the Senate, which made Galba the new emperor. Galba was unable to establish his authority over the Empire, as several of his supporters were disappointed by his lack of gratitude. He especially adopted Piso Licinianus as heir (Galba was childless and elderly), instead of Otho, who, it had widely been assumed, would be chosen. Angered by this disgrace, Otho murdered Galba on 15 January with the help of the Praetorian Guard, and became emperor instead. Unlike Galba, he rapidly earned considerable popularity, notably by bestowing favours and emulating Nero's successful early years.

↑ Return to Menu

Legate (ancient Rome) in the context of Lusius Quietus

Lusius Quietus (Latin: Lusius Quiētus, pronounced [ˈɫʊ.si.ʊs kᶣiˈeː.tʊs]; Koine Greek: Λούσιος Κυήτος, romanized: Loúsios Kyítos, pronounced [ˈlu.si.os kyˈi.tos]) was a Roman Berber general and 11th legate of Judaea from 117. He was the principal commander against the Jewish rebellion known as the Kitos War (Kitos is a later corruption of Quietus). He was notably one of the most important Berber statesmen in ancient Roman history. After the death of the emperor Trajan, Quietus was murdered or executed, possibly on the orders of Trajan's successor Hadrian.

↑ Return to Menu