Marcus Sedatius Severianus

Marcus Sedatius Severianus (?–162)[1] was a Roman Gaul who became consul suffectus in 153[2] and was governor of Cappadocia at the start of the Roman war with Parthia. He was convinced by the untrustworthy oracle Alexander of Abonutichus to invade Armenia in 161,[3] although Parthia had been making trouble in Armenia since the death of emperor Antoninus Pius (died 7 March 161). Sedatius committed suicide while under seige in the Armenian city of Elegeia, on the Upper Euphrates. He was replaced as governor of Cappadocia by Marcus Statius Priscus.[4]

War with Parthia

In the summer of 161 the Parthian, Vologases IV, invades Armenia and expels the Roman-placed ruler Sohaemus, and installs his own relative Pacoras as king. Being governor of Cappadocia meant Severianus would be on the front line of any conflict involving Armenia,[5] as was the case. Soon after, he was convinced by the soothsayer, Alexander, that he would win an easy victory against the Parthians should he invade Armenia. Wtih only one legion (possibly IX Hispana),[6] Severianus invades Armenia and stations his troops in Elegeia (a settlement on the Upper Euphrates),[7] but the Parthian general Chosroes lays siege to the city. Severianus commits suicide after just three days by starving himself;[8] his legion was massacred by the Parthians soon after.[9]

References

  1. ↑ The Correspondence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto with Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Lucius Verus, Antoninus Pius, and various friends p.22,342
  2. ↑ Alexia Petsalis-Diomidis Truly Beyond Wonders: Aelius Aristides and the Cult of Asklepios p. 63
  3. ↑ Lucian Alexander 27
  4. ↑ Birley, Marcus Aurelius, 123, citing A.R. Birley, The Fasti of Roman Britain (1981), 123ff.
  5. ↑ A.R. Birley The Fasti of Roman Britain 1981 p.121
  6. ↑ A.R. Birley Marcus Aurelius p.278
  7. ↑ The Correspondence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto with Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Lucius Verus, Antoninus Pius, and various friends p.330
  8. ↑ Lucian How to Write History 21, 14, 25
  9. ↑ Timothy Venning (Editor) A Chronology of the Roman Empire p. 539