Lucius Clodius Macer in the context of Procurator (ancient Rome)

⭐ Core Definition: Lucius Clodius Macer

Lucius Clodius Macer was a legatus of the Roman Empire in Africa during the reign of Nero. He revolted in May 68, cutting off the food supply of Rome, possibly at the instigation of Calvia Crispinilla. Although encouraged by Galba, Macer raised a legion Legio I Macriana liberatrix in addition to the Legio III Augusta that he already commanded, presumably raising suspicion that Macer also harbored imperial ambitions. In October 68, Galba had him killed by the procurator Trebonius Garutianus. Papirus, the centurion of Mucianus, was implicated in his assassination.

Macer produced denarii which are extremely rare today. Only about 85 have been found, of which only 20 bear his portrait. He uses the formulaic abbreviation S C (senatus consulto) on his denarii; this otherwise had only rarely appeared on Roman silver coins since about 40 BC. Scholars speculate that this, and his decision to portray himself without a laurel wreath or a diadem, as evidence that he portrayed his revolt as being against Nero, and not the senate.

↓ Menu

HINT:

In this Dossier

⭐ Core Definition: Lucius Clodius Macer
Lucius Clodius Macer in the context of Year of the Four Emperors
Lucius Clodius Macer in the context of Clodius

Lucius Clodius Macer 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.

View the full Wikipedia page for Year of the Four Emperors

↑ Return to Menu

Lucius Clodius Macer in the context of Clodius

Clodius is an alternate form of the Roman nomen Claudius, a patrician gens that was traditionally regarded as Sabine in origin. The alternation of o and au is characteristic of the Sabine dialect. The feminine form is Clodia.

View the full Wikipedia page for Clodius

↑ Return to Menu