Gaius Julius Vindex

Gaius Julius Vindex (c.25 – 68 CE)

Vindex was of a noble Gallic family of Aquitania. Based on Roman procedures, his name Gaius Julius indicates that his family was given citizenship under either Gaius Julius Caesar, the Emperor Augustus, or Caligula.  He was given senatorial status under Claudius.  Despite having taken part in a conspiracy against the Emperor Nero in 59 he was later appointed governor in the province of Gallia Lugdunensis. 

Subject ID: 165516

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Gaius Julius Vindex (c.25 – 68 CE)

Vindex was of a noble Gallic family of Aquitania. Based on Roman procedures, his name Gaius Julius indicates that his family was given citizenship under either Gaius Julius Caesar, the Emperor Augustus, or Caligula.  He was given senatorial status under Claudius.  Despite having taken part in a conspiracy against the Emperor Nero in 59 he was later appointed governor in the province of Gallia Lugdunensis. 

In late 67 or early 68, Vindex rebelled against Emperor Nero. As a senator, he probably wanted to replace Nero with a better emperor and end the tyranny that was plauging the empire. In order to gain support, he declared his allegiance to the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, Servius Sulpicius Galba.

Vindex's forces met those of Lucius Verginius Rufus, the commander of the Germania Superior near Vesontio (modern Besançon). Despite a meeting between Verginius and Vindex, Verginius' army seems to have decided on fighting without orders. Vindex was defeated in the resulting battle and subsequently killed himself.

 

Subject ID: 165516

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