Avidius Cassius

Gaius Avidius Cassius (ca. 130 - July 175) was a Roman usurper who briefly ruled Egypt and Syria in 175.

Related Topics:
130 - 175 - Roman usurper - Egypt - Syria

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A native of Cyrrhus in Syria, he was the son of Gaius Avidius Heliodorus, a noted orator who had become prefect of Egypt. He had a distinguished military career under Marcus Aurelius during the Parthian War, capturing Seleuceia and Ctesiphon, and managed to enter the Senate. He became governor of Syria in 166 and suppressed a revolt of the Bucoli in Egypt that had broken out in 172. In 175 he was proclaimed Roman emperor after the premature news of the death of Marcus Aurelius. Continuing in his revolt even after he learned that Marcus was still alive, the latter began to prepare for war, while at the same time expressing his hope that Cassius would not be killed or commit suicide, so that he would have the opportunity to mercifully pardon the rebellious general.

Related Topics:
Cyrrhus - Syria - Gaius Avidius Heliodorus - Orator - Prefect - Egypt - Marcus Aurelius - Parthia - Seleuceia - Ctesiphon - Senate - 166 - Bucoli - 172 - 175 - Roman emperor

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Although he seized control of some of the most vital parts of the Roman east — Egypt being an important source of grain for the city of Rome — Cassius failed to find widespread support for his rebellion. The governor of Cappadocia, Martius Verus, remained loyal to Marcus Aurelius. After three months, Cassius was murdered by a centurion; his head was sent to Marcus, who refused to see it and ordered it buried.

Related Topics:
Egypt - Rome - Cappadocia - Martius Verus - Centurion

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The events of his life are known from Dio Cassius's Roman History, and the Augustan History.

Related Topics:
Dio Cassius - Augustan History

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