Titus Vinius

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Titus Vinius (12 – 69) was a Roman general and one of the most powerful men in Rome during the reign of the Emperor Galba.

Stories

Plutarch has a number of stories of Vinius' early life, all to his discredit. He says that when, as a young man, he was serving in his first campaign, he brought his commander's wife into the camp by night disguised as a soldier, and had sex with her in the general's quarters. He was imprisoned for this by Caligula, but on that emperor's death was released.

Later on, again according to Plutarch and Tacitus, when he was invited to supper by the emperor Claudius he stole a gold drinking cup. Claudius was told of this, and invited him to supper again the following evening. When Vinius came, Claudius made his point by having his attendants set earthenware plates before him instead of silver. Nevertheless, Tacitus, who elsewhere describes him as "the most worthless of mankind", says that as proconsul of Gallia Narbonensis he administered the province with strict integrity.

As consul

Vinius was commander of one of the legions in

Tigellinus, who was blamed for having corrupted Nero
, from retribution in exchange for a large bribe.

Support for Otho, and death

In early 69 Galba was faced with the need to designate an heir. Titus Vinius supported

Piso Licinianus as his adopted son and designated heir. Otho responded by persuading the Praetorian guard to proclaim him emperor instead of Galba. With turmoil in the streets, Titus Vinius advised Galba to remain in the palace and to arm the slaves in the palace to help defend it. Laco and Icelus, however, advised Galba to go out and show himself. Galba followed their advice, and was killed by the Praetorians. Vinius tried to run away, calling out that Otho had not ordered him killed, but was pierced from one side to the other with a sword by a legionary.[3]

References

  1. ISBN 978-0-140-44964-8
    .
  2. ISBN 978-1-134-56227-5
    .
  3. ISBN 978-0-140-44964-8
    .

External links
Political offices
Preceded by
Gaius Bellicius Natalis, and
Publius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus
as Suffect consuls
Consul of the Roman Empire
69
with Galba
 Succeeded by
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