Flavius Celer (Greek:Κέλερ) was aByzantine general andmagister officiorum under EmperorAnastasius (r. 491–518) in the early 6th century.

Celer was anIllyrian though nothing is known of his early life.^[1] In 503, Emperor Anastasius named him general in theongoing war against theSassanid Persians in the East.^[2] In the spring of 504, he led his men to participate in the ongoing siege ofAmida, but soon after left and engaged in an invasion of Persian-held territory, retaking several cities and returning with much booty. In late 504, Celer engaged in negotiations with the Persians, which resulted in a temporary truce.^[3] In 505, he was again active on the eastern frontier, but is not reported to have engaged in major operations; he did, however, continue contacts with the Persians, ransoming Amida for 1,100 pounds ofgold. In autumn 506, Celer led the Byzantine negotiations with the Persians atDara, which resulted in the conclusion of a peace treaty.^[3] Perhaps as a reward, he was namedconsul for 508; he had already been appointed asmagister officiorum^[4] sometime around 503 to 504.^[5]

In 511, Celer conspired with Emperor Anastasius in a plan to have thePatriarch of Constantinople,Macedonius,exiled by inducing Macedonius to sign a document that rejected the councils ofEphesus (431) andChalcedon (451) and thus lose the support of the pro-Chalcedonian faction.^[3] Afterwards, Celer was ordered to ensure thatSeverus and hisMonophysite monks were safely returned to their convents inSyria. In 512, Celer was sent toConstantinople, along with Patricius, to pacify the riotous Chalcedonian crowds, but ultimately failed.^[6]

Celer was still in office at the time of the ascension of EmperorJustin I (r. 518–527) on 9 July 518, but was soon after removed from office^[4] (his first recorded successor wasTatianus in 520 thoughSymmachus may have held the position in 519). Following that, he participated in the negotiations of 519–520 with thePatriarch of Rome to end theAcacian Schism.^[6] He is described by chroniclers as wise, well-educated, a capable administrator, and personally brave. The date or manner of his death is not recorded, save for a reference to it being "unfortunate".^[3]

• 5th-century births
• 6th-century deaths
• 6th-century eastern Roman consuls
• Anastasian War
• Byzantine diplomats
• Byzantine generals
• Illyrian people
• Magistri officiorum
• People of the Roman–Sasanian Wars
• 6th-century diplomats

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• Articles containing Greek-language text