Lucius Antonius Saturninus

Quick Facts: Who was Lucius Antonius Saturninus?

Subject:

Lucius Antonius Saturninus

Known for:

Roman general and senator who led a rebellion against Emperor Domitian.

Born:

100

Died:

89

Century / Era:

100s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lucius Antonius Saturninus was a Roman senator and general during the reign of Vespasian and his sons. While governor of the province called Germania Superior, motivated by a personal grudge against Emperor Domitian, he led a rebellion known as the Revolt of Saturninus, involving the legions Legio XIV Gemina and Legio XXI Rapax, camped in Moguntiacum (Mainz). Saturninus was subjected to a damnatio memoriae following his defeat and death, and his systematic obliteration from public records makes it difficult to reconstruct his life before his revolt. Ronald Syme has offered a possible cursus honorum for Saturninus, based on inscriptions with erasures of the relevant dates.

Career & Major Achievements

The earliest is a proconsular governorship in Macedonia, dated to about 76, then a possible governorship in Judea from possibly 78 to 81; the governorship of Judea was paired with command of Legio X Fretensis. First proposed by Bartolomeo Borghesi, but later accepted by Syme and others, was a nundinium as suffect consul in either 82 or 83. In 87 he was governor of Germania Superior. In January 89, Saturninus led a revolt.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He expected his Germanic allies to cross the Rhine to support him, but this was thwarted by a sudden thaw of the river ice, and the revolt was quickly put down by Domitian's generals Aulus Lappius Maximus Norbanus and the future emperor Trajan. Afterwards, Norbanus burned Saturninus' letters in an attempt to avoid implicating others. However, Domitian had numerous others executed with Saturninus, displaying their heads on the rostra at Rome. The Legio XXI was sent to Pannonia, and Domitian passed a law prohibiting two legions from sharing the same camp.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 89: Passing & Historical Legacy — Lucius Antonius Saturninus passed away on 89, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
2. 100: Birth of Lucius Antonius Saturninus — Roman general and senator who led a rebellion against Emperor Domitian.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lucius Antonius Saturninus

True or False: “Did Lucius Antonius Saturninus's revolt primarily involve legions stationed in Germania Superior?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Yes, while governor of Germania Superior, he led the rebellion involving Legio XIV Gemina and Legio XXI Rapax.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Apollonius of Tyana — Contemporary (Died in 100) (100): Central Neopythagorean philosopher known for mystical travels and alleged miracles.
• Bartholomew the Apostle — Contemporary (Died in 100) (100): One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, traditionally associated with Nathanael.
• Clement of Rome — Contemporary (Born in 100) (100): First Apostolic Father and Bishop of Rome in the late 1st century.
• Arrian — Contemporary (Born in 89) (89): Second-century Greek historian, philosopher, and official of the Roman period.
• John the Apostle — Contemporary figure (Died in 99) (99): A foundational apostle, author of the Gospel of John and Revelation.
• Isidorus (Egyptian rebel) — Contemporary figure (Born in 101) (101): Egyptian priest who led a major native revolt against Roman rule in the 2nd century.
• Nerva — Contemporary figure (Died in 98) (98): Roman Emperor (AD 96-98) who restored liberties and adopted Trajan.
• Ban Chao — Contemporary figure (Died in 102) (102): Eastern Han general, diplomat, and explorer who controlled the Western Regions.
• Lucius Verginius Rufus — Contemporary figure (Died in 97) (97): Roman commander and three-time consul who served Germania Superior during Nero's reign.
• Saint Timothy — Contemporary figure (Died in 97) (97): First Bishop of Ephesus and early Christian evangelist from Asia Minor.
• 100 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 100
• 89 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 89

Frequently Asked Questions about Lucius Antonius Saturninus