Cornelius Fuscus | |
|---|---|
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | June 9, 86 AD Dacia |
| Allegiance | Roman Empire |
| Years of service | 81–86 |
| Rank | Praetorian prefect |
| Unit | Praetorian Guard--Legio V Alaudae |
| Commands | Praetorian Guard (81–86) Legio V Alaudae (86) |
| Battles / wars | Year of the Four Emperors Dacian Wars |
| Other work | Imperial procurator of Illyricum |
Cornelius Fuscus (died 86 AD) was a Roman general who fought campaigns under the Emperors of the Flavian dynasty. He first distinguished himself as one of Vespasian's most ardent supporters during the civil war of 69 AD, known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Vespasian's son Domitian employed Fuscus as prefect of the Praetorian Guard, a post he held from 81 until his death.
In 85 AD the Dacians, led by King Decebalus, invaded the Roman Empire at Moesia, a province located south of the Danube. In response, Domitian dispatched Cornelius Fuscus to the region with five legions. Although Fuscus was initially successful in driving the invaders back across the border, the prefect suffered defeat when he was ambushed along with Legio V Alaudae during an expedition into Dacia, at the First Battle of Tapae. The entire legion was annihilated, and Fuscus killed.