Marathonius Granthius
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Marathonius Granthius (November 1, 80 – June 23, 147), was a Roman legion commander of VI Victrix , primarily known for being the man responsible for the construction of Hadrian's Wall in 122. His excessive debaucheries and frolicking with the troops eventually lead him to be disgraced.
Little is known of his early life, although scattered reports indicate he was a joyful individual, known for excessive wine consumption, to a degree that made him famous amongst his fellow soliders. He was the child of a minor Roman nobleman, one Bronus Runcimanus, and his Judean wife Davina Krochverga. A brother, Stevelus Phillipus was a lieutenant in Marathonius' legion for many years. His children Androus Wilcsious and Leissus Vanwalrious are believed to have remained in Ravenna following Marathonius' death.
[edit] Move to Brittania
In his tour of the Roman Empire, Emperor Hadrian decreed that a wall should be constructed at the northern border of the province of Brittania. Accompanying Hadrian on his tour was the former governor of Germania Inferior, Aulus Platorius Nepos. Hadrian decided to assign the task of constructing the wall to Nepos, and made him governor of Brittania.
Nepos was at this time in moderate favour with the Emperor, his stature having been reduced by reports of excessive festivities and debauchery. In particular the commander of the local legion, one Marathonius Granthius, was known as his partner in these endeavours. Nepos decided to bring Granthius and his legion, VI Victrix, to Brittania with him for the construction.
From the scattered reports that remain in regards to the construction of the wall, it is know that the project ran considerably over budget. Contemporary accounts speak of epic parties thrown by Sepos and Granthius, and speculations that funds for the wall's construction were used for the purchase of large quantities of wine.
Apparently at some points the debauchery would reach such levels that Pict tribesman from north of the wall would venture to the festivities. An early Pictish chronicler, one Gregorious Crossus records that he and the chieftain of his village, Kemonius Macdonaldus journeyed south for one of these epic parties. Gregorious makes mention of a close associate of Marathonius who he describes as being dark skinned. This is most likely a mention of Marathonius' long time friend, Jamalonious, whom he met while serving in the Roman province of Numidia in Africa. Gregorious also recounts that Pictish women, when able to, would join the frequent festivities, and took particular interest in Jamalonious. The reasons for this interest are largely unknown, however some historians speculate that this was because of specific pheromones given off by Jamalonious, which were linked to his native diet in Numidia. It is interesting to note, however, that the Pictish women also demonstrated great interest in Kemonious, which may indicate some physiological similarity between the people of Numidia and Kemonious himself.
Little of Granthius is heard after this, and apparently his friend Sepos fell from the emperor's grace due to the wall's significant cost overruns. When a messenger arrived from Londinium with orders for Marathonius' dismissal, contemporary rumours state he was too intoxicated to fully understand the messenger, and that he and his friend Jamalonious attempt to convince the messenger and his escort to engage in a wine drinking competition.
The last know records of Granthius have him retiring from the legion to a law career in Ravenna. He lived there for the remainder of his life with his wife Kimestrella, a minor member of the Parthian royal family who had been given to him as a gift from the Parthian Emperor during his campaigns in the east. Kimestrella was a daughter of the Parthian princess Nicoliastra, believed to be originally from the eastern reaches of the Parthian empire, in modern day India, and the prince Joelesty Landrous.
Interestingly Kimestrella was very assertive and active socially for a woman of that time. She studied extensively, and apparently was involved in aiding the construction of a nearby aquaduct. A small treatise of hers survives where she conducts one of the first known discussions on the principles of foundations. She even briefly dicusses her view that the aquaducts should be strengthened where possible to prevent damage during earthquakes. It is therefore one of the first known records where the issues regarding seismic impacts on structures is discussed.
Marathonius was recorded as having died in 147, having continued his excessive lifestyle until his death. His wife is believed to have died soon afterwards.
