Salvidienus Rufus

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Quintus Salvidienus Rufus was a Roman general and one of the closest advisors of Octavian during the early years of his political activity.

Despite his humble origin he was one of Octavian’s best friends, together with Marcus Agrippa. Salvidienus and Agrippa were with Octavian at Apollonia at the time of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. He became one of the most trusted of Octavian’s generals during the civil wars following Caesar’s death. In 42 BCE he commanded the fleet of Octavian against Sextus Pompeius, who had taken control of Sicily and was harassing the coasts of Italy. However, Salvidienus was beaten in a naval battle fought off Rhegium, largely because of the inexperience of his crews. On Octavian's return from Greece after the battle of Philippi, Salvidienus was sent to Spain with six legions, but he hastily retreated to Italy to oppose Lucius Antonius and Fulvia (Antony's wife), who had taken up arms against Octavian, starting the so-called Perusian War. Salvidienus captured and destroyed the city of Sentinum and then, with Agrippa, surrounded Lucius Antonius's forces in Perusia: without help form the other Antony’s generals (who had no clear orders from Antony) Lucius Antonius was forced to surrender after a few months of siege (Winter 40 BC). After his triumph in the war Octavian sent him to Gallia as a governor, in charge of an army of eleven legions, which would have been decisive in case of a war with Antony. He was also designated as consul for 39 BC, although he had not reached senatorial rank. Despite these honours, when Antony came from the East with large forces to confront Octavian, Salvidienus offered to desert to Antony with his legions. Apparently this proposal came after Antony had already made an agreement with Octavian (the Pact of Brundisium). Antony revealed to Octavian the treachery of Salvidienus, who was accused of high treason in the senate and condemned to death in the Fall 40 BC. He was either executed or committed suicide, as reported by Livy.