Gaius Suetonius Paulinus
Roman general famed for defeating Boudica and governing Britannia in the 1st century AD.
Quick Facts: Who was Gaius Suetonius Paulinus?
- Subject:
- Gaius Suetonius Paulinus
- Known for:
- Roman general famed for defeating Boudica and governing Britannia in the 1st century AD.
- Born:
- 10
- Died:
- 60
- Century / Era:
- 10s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Gaius Suetonius Paulinus (fl. AD 40–69) was a Roman general best known as the commander who defeated Boudica and her army during the Boudican revolt. Little is known of Suetonius' family, but it likely came from Pisaurum (modern Pesaro), a town on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Having served as praetor in 40 AD, Suetonius was appointed governor of Mauretania (modern northern Morocco) the following year. In collaboration with Gnaeus Hosidius Geta he suppressed the revolt led by Aedemon in the mountainous province; that arose from the execution of the local ruler Ptolemy by Caligula.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
In 41 AD Suetonius was the first Roman commander to lead troops across the Atlas Mountains, and Pliny the Elder quotes his description of the area in his Natural History. In 58 AD, before being consul, he was appointed governor of Britain, replacing Quintus Veranius, who had died in office. He continued Veranius' policy of aggressively subduing the tribes of modern Wales, and was successful for his first two years in the post. His reputation as a general came to rival that of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo. Two future governors served under him: Quintus Petillius Cerialis as legate of Legio IX Hispana, and Gnaeus Julius Agricola as a military tribune attached to II Augusta, but seconded to Suetonius's staff.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Around 60 or 61 AD Suetonius made an assault on the island of Mona (Anglesey), a refuge for British fugitives and a stronghold of the druids. The tribes of the south-east took advantage of his absence and staged a revolt, led by queen Boudica of the Iceni. The colonia of Camulodunum (Colchester) was destroyed, its inhabitants tortured, raped, and slaughtered, and Petillius Cerialis's legion routed. Suetonius brought Mona to terms and marched along the Roman road of Watling Street to Londinium (London), the rebels' next target, but judged he did not have the numbers to defend the city and ordered it evacuated. The Britons duly destroyed it, the citizens of Londinium suffering the same fate as those of Camulodunum, and then did the same to Verulamium (St Albans).
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Gaius Suetonius Paulinus
True or False: “Suetonius Paulinus was appointed governor of Britain immediately after his service in Mauretania.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): He served as praetor in 40 AD and was appointed governor of Mauretania the following year; he was appointed governor of Britain in 58 AD.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gaius Suetonius Paulinus
Who was Gaius Suetonius Paulinus and what are their primary contributions?
Roman general famed for defeating Boudica and governing Britannia in the 1st century AD. Origins & Early Life: Gaius Suetonius Paulinus (fl. AD 40–69) was a Roman general best known as the commander who defeated Boudica and her army during the Boudican revolt. Little is known of Suetonius' family, but it likely came from Pisaurum (modern Pesaro), a town on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Having served as praetor in 40 AD, Suetonius was appointed governor of Mauretania (modern northern Morocco) the following year. In collaboration with Gnaeus Hosidius Geta he suppressed the revolt led by Aedemon in the mountainous province; that arose from the execution of the local ruler Ptolemy by Caligula.
When was Gaius Suetonius Paulinus born and during which historical era did they live?
Gaius Suetonius Paulinus was born on 10 and passed away on 60. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 10 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Gaius Suetonius Paulinus?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia