Gaius Fulvius Plautianus
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| Gaius Fulvius Plautianus | |
|---|---|
| ??–205 | |
| Place of birth | Leptis Magna, Africa Province |
| Place of death | Rome |
| Allegiance | Roman Empire |
| Years of service | 197–205 |
| Rank | Praetorian prefect |
| Unit | Praetorian Guard |
| Other work | Consul of the Roman Empire in 203 |
Gaius or Lucius Fulvius Plautianus (? - 22 January 205) was a Roman who lived in the 2nd century and 3rd century. Plautianus was a member of gens Fulvius, a family of the patrician status and the family were active in politics since the Roman Republic.
Plautianus was originally from Leptis Magna, southeast of Carthage (modern Libya, North Africa). He was of Roman descent, but was born and raised in Africa. He was a maternal cousin and long time friend of Roman Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus. His paternal grandfather was Fulvius Pius and paternal aunt was Fulvia Pia (Severus' mother).
Plautianus was appointed commander of the Praetorian Guard in 197. Due to their friendship, Severus rewarded Plautianus with various honors including a consular insigina, a seat in the Roman senate and the consulship of 203. During his consulship, Plautianus’ image was minted on coins along with Severus’ second son Publius Septimius Geta.
He assisted Severus in administering the empire and through Severus’ influence, he became very wealthy, powerful and Severus made him, his second in command. Plautianus in 202, married his daughter Publia Fulvia Plautilla to Caracalla (Severus’ first son) in Rome. Plautianus became so powerful, Roman Empress Julia Domna and Caracalla, began to be concerned.
Caracalla began to threaten him with death threats. Plautianus discovered, that his daughter and Caracalla, had an unhappy marriage. Caracalla disliked him and his daughter. When Plautianus discovered this, he began to plot to overthrow Severus' family.
Plautianus’ treachery was discovered, the imperial family summoned him to the palace and ordered his death on 22 January 205. After his death, Plautianus’ property was confiscated, his son of the same name, daughter and granddaughter were exiled to Sicily and then later to Lipari and his name was erased from public monuments. His son, daughter and granddaughter were strangled on Caracalla’s orders in early 212.
