Aurelius Victor

Aurelius Victor

Aurelius Victor was a notable Roman historian and politician of the 4th century AD. He is best known for his work "De Caesaribus", a collection of biographies of Roman emperors from Augustus to Constantius II. His writings provide valuable insights into the history and politics of the Roman Empire during a period of significant transition.

Biography

Little is known about the early life of Aurelius Victor. He was likely born in Africa, as suggested by the name "Aurelius" which was common in the region. His career advanced under the patronage of the Roman emperor Constantius II, who appointed him to several important positions.

Aurelius Victor served as the governor of Pannonia Secunda, a province in the Roman Empire, and later held the prestigious position of Prefect of Rome. His political career reflects the trust and favor he enjoyed under the imperial administration.

Works

Aurelius Victor is primarily remembered for his historical writings. His most famous work, "De Caesaribus", is a concise history of the Roman emperors. It covers the period from the reign of Augustus to that of Constantius II, providing a series of brief biographies that highlight the virtues and vices of each ruler.

De Caesaribus

"De Caesaribus" is structured as a series of short chapters, each dedicated to a different emperor. The work is notable for its moralistic tone, as Aurelius Victor often comments on the character and behavior of the emperors. His accounts are valuable for their insights into the political and social dynamics of the Roman Empire.

The work is part of a larger tradition of Roman historical writing, and it shares similarities with the "Historia Augusta" and the writings of Eutropius. Despite its brevity, "De Caesaribus" is an important source for historians studying the late Roman Empire.

Legacy

Aurelius Victor's contributions to Roman historiography have been recognized by scholars for their historical value. His work provides a unique perspective on the emperors and the challenges they faced during a turbulent period in Roman history.

His writings have been preserved through various manuscripts and have been the subject of scholarly study and translation. "De Caesaribus" continues to be an important resource for understanding the complexities of Roman imperial politics and the personalities of its rulers.

See also

• Roman Empire
• Roman Historiography
• Constantius II
• Historia Augusta

References

• Syme, Ronald. "Aurelius Victor: De Caesaribus." Oxford University Press, 1971.
• Barnes, Timothy D. "The New Empire of Diocletian and Constantine." Harvard University Press, 1982.

External links

• Livius.org: Aurelius Victor
• Roman Emperors - Aurelius Victor