Quintus Petillius Cerialis
Roman general and administrator who served in Britain during Boudica's revolt and the Flavian rise.
Quick Facts: Who was Quintus Petillius Cerialis?
- Subject:
- Quintus Petillius Cerialis
- Known for:
- Roman general and administrator who served in Britain during Boudica's revolt and the Flavian rise.
- Born:
- 30
- Died:
- 83
- Century / Era:
- 30s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Quintus Petillius Cerialis Caesius Rufus (c. AD 30 – after AD 83), otherwise known as Quintus Petillius Cerialis, was a Roman general and administrator who served in Britain during Boudica's rebellion and went on to participate in the civil wars after the death of Nero. He later crushed the rebellion of Julius Civilis and returned to Britain as its governor. Because he probably succeeded Caesius Nasica as commander of Legio IX Hispana, and since brothers are often attested as serving in succession in the same post, Anthony Birley suggests that Cerialis was the younger brother of Nasica, and had been adopted by Petillius Rufus, who was known as praetor in AD 28. However, in his monograph of naming practices in the first centuries of the Roman Empire, Olli Salomies argues that Cerialis was actually the biological son of Petillius Rufus by a woman named Caesia, who may have been the daughter of a Caesius Cerialis, therefore Caesius Nasica would not have been his brother "but a close relative." His first important assignment was as legate of Legio IX Hispana (Ninth Iberian Legion) in the Roman province of Britannia, under governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. In the defeat of the 60/61 rebellion led by Queen Boudica of the Iceni, Cerialis suffered a serious defeat when attempting to relieve the city of Camulodunum (Colchester), which was taken by the Britons before he arrived.
Career & Major Achievements
"The victorious enemy met Petilius Cerialis, commander of the ninth legion, as he was coming to the rescue, routed his troops, and destroyed all his infantry. Cerialis escaped with some cavalry into the camp, and was saved by its fortifications." As the son-in-law of Vespasian, being the husband of Domitilla the Younger, Cerialis was made a hostage by Vitellius in 69, during the civil wars of the Year of Four Emperors. Cerialis managed to escape disguised as a peasant and joined the Flavian army. He was one of the cavalry leaders that conquered Rome for the approaching Vespasian. His role was to enter Rome via Sabine territory along the Via Salaria.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
This success and his brother-in-law's trust gave him the command of XIV Gemina, then stationed in the difficult province of Germania Inferior. Again, Cerialis had to deal with a local revolt, the Batavian rebellion, in which the local tribes, led by Julius Civilis, a romanized prince, besieged two Roman legions at Xanten. Cerialis was again successful and received honours from Vespasian, which included his first consulate. In 71, Cerialis was appointed governor of Roman Britain, bringing the II Adiutrix with him to the province. He was supported by Gnaeus Julius Agricola, commander of XX Valeria Victrix.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Quintus Petillius Cerialis
True or False: “Quintus Petillius Cerialis was primarily known for his administrative roles in Gaul rather than Britain.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): While he served across various provinces, his most notable military actions detailed involved the rebellion in Britannia and subsequent governorship there.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Amanitore — Contemporary (Born in 30) (30): Queen Regnant of the Kingdom of Kush, ruling from Meroë in the 1st century CE.
- Boudica — Contemporary (Born in 30) (30): Queen of the Iceni tribe, Boudica led a major revolt against Roman occupation in AD 60/61.
- John the Baptist — Contemporary (Died in 30) (30): Itinerant Jewish preacher and prophet active near the Jordan River in the 1st century AD.
- Emperor Seimu — Contemporary (Born in 83) (83): Legendary 13th Emperor of Japan, chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
- Ban Chao — Contemporary figure (Born in 32) (32): Eastern Han general, diplomat, and explorer who controlled the Western Regions.
- Ban Gu — Contemporary figure (Born in 32) (32): Esteemed Han Dynasty scholar, poet, and key compiler of the Book of Han.
- Gaius Julius Vindex — Contemporary figure (Born in 25) (25): Roman senator and governor who rebelled against Nero, ultimately falling in 68 AD.
- Gengshi Emperor — Contemporary figure (Died in 25) (25): Brief Han Dynasty emperor who ruled during a period of intense civil strife and instability.
- Gaius Poppaeus Sabinus — Contemporary figure (Died in 35) (35): Roman senator and consul who governed key provinces in the early Imperial period.
- Ignatius of Antioch — Contemporary figure (Born in 35) (35): Pioneering early Christian writer and Patriarch of Antioch, known for his martyrdom letters.
- 30 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 30
- 83 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 83
Frequently Asked Questions about Quintus Petillius Cerialis
Who was Quintus Petillius Cerialis and what are their primary contributions?
Roman general and administrator who served in Britain during Boudica's revolt and the Flavian rise. Origins & Early Life: Quintus Petillius Cerialis Caesius Rufus (c. AD 30 – after AD 83), otherwise known as Quintus Petillius Cerialis, was a Roman general and administrator who served in Britain during Boudica's rebellion and went on to participate in the civil wars after the death of Nero. He later crushed the rebellion of Julius Civilis and returned to Britain as its governor. Because he probably succeeded Caesius Nasica as commander of Legio IX Hispana, and since brothers are often attested as serving in succession in the same post, Anthony Birley suggests that Cerialis was the younger brother of Nasica, and had been adopted by Petillius Rufus, who was known as praetor in AD 28. However, in his monograph of naming practices in the first centuries of the Roman Empire, Olli Salomies argues that Cerialis was actually the biological son of Petillius Rufus by a woman named Caesia, who may have been the daughter of a Caesius Cerialis, therefore Caesius Nasica would not have been his brother "but a close relative." His first important assignment was as legate of Legio IX Hispana (Ninth Iberian Legion) in the Roman province of Britannia, under governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. In the defeat of the 60/61 rebellion led by Queen Boudica of the Iceni, Cerialis suffered a serious defeat when attempting to relieve the city of Camulodunum (Colchester), which was taken by the Britons before he arrived.
When was Quintus Petillius Cerialis born and during which historical era did they live?
Quintus Petillius Cerialis was born on 30 and passed away on 83. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 30 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Quintus Petillius Cerialis?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia