Sextus Vettulenus Cerialis | |
|---|---|
| Procurator of Judea | |
| In office 70–71 | |
| Preceded by | Marcus Antonius Julianus |
| Succeeded by | Sextus Lucilius Bassus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1st century |
| Died | c. 1st century Roman Empire |
Sextus Vettulenus Cerialis was aRomansenator and military commander, the 1stlegate ofJudaea. He was an early supporter ofVespasian, who appointed Cerialissuffect consul in either 72 or 73.[1]
Cerialis was ofSabine origin.[2] He was born inReate.[3]Ronald Syme speculates that the Sex. Vettulenus Cerialis memorialized with his wife Lusia Galla in an inscription recovered atVenafro was Cerialis' father and mother; if that is the case, his father served as a soldier, and his career was capped asprimus pilus ofLegio XI.[4] At least one brother is attested for him:Gaius Vettulenus Civica Cerealis, suffect consul in either 72 or 73 according to Syme,[5] or between 73 and 76, according to Gallivan.[6]
Edward Dabrowa lists Cerialis "amongst the Sabine people who, due to Vespasian, gained high ranks and were admitted to the Roman political elite."[3] Based on the most commonly accepted interpretation of an acephalous inscription fromCarthage, Nero conferred many honors on him.[3] However, his first attested office was aslegate or commander ofLegio V Macedonica around the year 67. He held this commission through theFirst Jewish–Roman War to the end of thesiege of Jerusalem in 70. Josephus writes that in the summer of 67, after theSamaritans failed to disarm and disperse, the Fifth Legion under Cerialis' command slaughtered 11,600 of them onMount Gerizim.[7] Cerialis impressedVespasian with his courage and his success in numerous military actions. After the fall of Jerusalem, Cerialis was appointed governor ofJudea and legate ofLegio X Fretensis.[3][8][9] He held both offices until at least AD 71, when he was replaced bySextus Lucilius Bassus.
Following his consulship, Cerialis was appointed governor ofMoesia,[10] where he is attested by onemilitary diploma dated 28 April 75,[11] and a second dated 7 February 78.[12] An acephalic inscription found inCarthage has been attributed to him, which would attest he was proconsul ofAfrica for the term 83/84.[13]
Although the name of his wife is not known, Cerialis is considered the father ofSextus Vettulenus Civica Cerialis,ordinary consul in 106.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Legate ofIudaea 70–71 | Succeeded by |