Lucius Verginius Rufus
Roman commander and three-time consul who served Germania Superior during Nero's reign.
Quick Facts: Who was Lucius Verginius Rufus?
- Subject:
- Lucius Verginius Rufus
- Known for:
- Roman commander and three-time consul who served Germania Superior during Nero's reign.
- Born:
- 14
- Died:
- 97
- Century / Era:
- 14s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Lucius Verginius Rufus (AD 15–97; sometimes incorrectly called Lucius Virginus Rufus) was a Roman commander of Germania Superior during the late 1st century. He was three times consul (in 63, 69, and 97). He was born near Comum, the birthplace of both Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. Verginius Rufus was born in Northern Italy as a member of an equestrian family. He became consul in 63 under the emperor Nero.
Career & Major Achievements
After his consulship, Verginius Rufus was made governor of Germania Superior. When Gaius Iulius Vindex revolted against Nero in 67, Verginius Rufus led an army against him and defeated the rebel in 68 near modern-day Besançon. After Nero's fall, the legions under Verginius Rufus hailed him as emperor in preference to Servius Sulpicius Galba (Vindex' ally), but Verginius Rufus refused to accept the purple. After the death of Otho in April 69, the soldiers again offered the throne to Verginius, but he again refused it. Verginius retreated to an estate at Alsium on the coast of Etruria northwest of Rome.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
There he studied, composed poems, and had a literary salon. After the murder of Emperor Domitian, Marcus Cocceius Nerva was elected emperor by the senate. Nerva chose as his co-consul for 97 the elderly Verginius Rufus, who was enticed out of retirement. However, when Verginius Rufus was to hold a speech, he dropped a book he was carrying, and while bending down to pick it up, slipped and broke his hip. He died not long afterward at the age of 82 and was given a state funeral.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Notable Quotes by Lucius Verginius Rufus
“Hic situs est Rufus, pulso qui Vindice quondam Imperium adseruit non sibi, sed patriae”
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lucius Verginius Rufus
True or False: “Lucius Verginius Rufus was immediately proclaimed emperor after defeating Gaius Iulius Vindex in 68.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Although the legions hailed him as emperor after defeating Vindex, he refused to accept the purple on two separate occasions.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Augustus — Contemporary (Died in 14) (14): Founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman Emperor, ushering in the Pax Romana.
- Saint Timothy — Contemporary (Died in 97) (97): First Bishop of Ephesus and early Christian evangelist from Asia Minor.
- Apollonius of Tyana — Contemporary figure (Born in 15) (15): Central Neopythagorean philosopher known for mystical travels and alleged miracles.
- Pomponius Mela — Contemporary figure (Born in 15) (15): Pioneering 1st-century Roman geographer, author of De situ orbis libri III.
- Caligula — Contemporary figure (Born in 12) (12): Third Roman Emperor, known for his tumultuous and short reign (AD 37-41).
- Mark the Evangelist — Contemporary figure (Born in 12) (12): A foundational figure in early Christianity, traditionally credited with the Gospel of Mark.
- John the Apostle — Contemporary figure (Born in 11) (11): A foundational apostle, author of the Gospel of John and Revelation.
- Livy — Contemporary figure (Died in 17) (17): Monumental Roman historian whose work covered Rome's legendary founding to the Augustan age.
- Ovid — Contemporary figure (Died in 17) (17): Master Roman poet, celebrated for 'Metamorphoses' and love poetry.
- Gaius Suetonius Paulinus — Contemporary figure (Born in 10) (10): Roman general famed for defeating Boudica and governing Britannia in the 1st century AD.
- 14 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 14
- 97 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 97
Frequently Asked Questions about Lucius Verginius Rufus
Who was Lucius Verginius Rufus and what are their primary contributions?
Roman commander and three-time consul who served Germania Superior during Nero's reign. Origins & Early Life: Lucius Verginius Rufus (AD 15–97; sometimes incorrectly called Lucius Virginus Rufus) was a Roman commander of Germania Superior during the late 1st century. He was three times consul (in 63, 69, and 97). He was born near Comum, the birthplace of both Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. Verginius Rufus was born in Northern Italy as a member of an equestrian family. He became consul in 63 under the emperor Nero.
When was Lucius Verginius Rufus born and during which historical era did they live?
Lucius Verginius Rufus was born on 14 and passed away on 97. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 14 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Lucius Verginius Rufus?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia