Helvidius Priscus

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Helvidius Priscus,

philosopher and statesman, lived during the reigns of Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian
.

When Vespasian sent for Helvidius Priscus and commanded him not to go into the senate, he replied, "It is in your power not to allow me to be a member of the senate, but so long as I am, I must go in." "Well, go in then," says the emperor, "but say nothing." "Do not ask my opinion, and I will be silent." "But I must ask your opinion." "And I must say what I think right." "But if you do, I shall put you to death." "When then did I tell you that I am immortal? You will do your part, and I will do mine: it is your part to kill; it is mine to die, but not in fear: yours to banish me; mine to depart without sorrow." Epictetus, Discourses, 1.2.19–21

Biography

Helvidius came from town of

Armenia, and gained the respect and confidence of the provincials. His declared sympathy with Brutus and Cassius occasioned his banishment in 66.[2]

Having been recalled to

Year of Four Emperors, should be restored at the public expense. Lastly, Priscus saluted Vespasian by his private name, and did not recognize him as emperor in his praetorian edicts.[2]

At length he was banished a second time, and shortly afterwards was executed by Vespasian's order. His life, in the form of a warm panegyric, written at his widow's request by Herennius Senecio, caused its author's death in the reign of Domitian.[2]

Family

Helvidius Priscus is known to have two children by Fannia: a son, Helvidius Priscus, later suffect consul, who was banished and likely executed by Domitian;[3] and a daughter, Helvidia, who married Marcus Annius Herennius Pollio.[4] He probably also had a granddaughter, Helvidia Priscilla, who married Lucius Vipstanus Poplicola Messalla. Through her, he has known descendants into at least the 6th century.

Modern appearances

Notes

  1. .
  2. ^ a b c Chisholm 1911, p. 255.
  3. ^ Brian W. Jones, The Emperor Domitian, (London: Routledge, 1993), pp. 122, 187
  4. ^ Jones, Emperor Domitian, p. 175

References

Further reading