Gaius Fulvius Plautianus

Gaius Fulvius Plautianus
Plautianus
BornLeptis Magna, Africa Province
Died205
Rome
AllegianceRoman Empire
Years of service197–205
RankPraetorian prefect
UnitPraetorian Guard
Other workConsul of the Roman Empire in 203

Gaius or Lucius Fulvius Plautianus (c. 150 – 22 January 205) was a member of the Roman gens Fulvia. As head of the Praetorian Guard, he was very influential in the administration of state affairs, and clashed with Julia Domna, the wife of Septimius Severus.

Plautianus was originally from Leptis Magna, southeast of Carthage (modern Libya, North Africa). He was a maternal cousin and long-time friend of the Emperor Septimius Severus. Plautianus' father was another Gaius Fulvius Plautianus, born c. 130, whose sister, Fulvia Pia (c. 125 - after 198), was married to Severus' father Publius Septimius Geta.[1]

Plautianus was praefectus vigilum (commander of the Vigiles in Rome) from 193 to 197.[2]

Plautianus was appointed prefect of the Praetorian Guard in 197.[3] Due to their friendship, Severus rewarded Plautianus with various honors, including a consular insignia, a seat in the Roman Senate and the Consulship of 203. During his consulship, Plautianus' image was minted on coins along with Severus' second son, Publius Septimius Geta.

He assisted Severus in administering the empire and became very wealthy and powerful. Severus made him his second in command. He was at odds with Julia Domna, the wife of the emperor, presumably for influence. In 202, Plautianus married his daughter, Publia Fulvia Plautilla, to Caracalla (Severus’ first son and co-emperor) in Rome.[4] Plautianus had those who opposed him assassinated or executed. He became so powerful that Caracalla and his mother, Julia Domna, began to be concerned for successions. Aware of her reservations, Plautianus sought to disrepute, dishonor and disempower Julia. He had her servants and friends arrested and tortured in hopes of extracting some damaging testimony against her. He was unsuccessful in his efforts.[5]

The aforementioned marriage between Caracalla and Plautilla was not a happy one - In fact, Caracalla loathed both her and her father, threatening to kill them after becoming sole emperor.[6] When Plautianus discovered this, he plotted to overthrow Severus' family.[7][8]

When Plautianus was accused of treachery against the imperial family, Septimius Severus summoned him to the palace. Because he had written a note confirming his plans at the request of the Tribune, Saturninus, he was not able to shake these accusations and was found guilty. During the meeting on 22 January 205, Caracalla's men killed him. After his death, Plautianus’ property was confiscated, his name was erased from public monuments, and his son of the same name, his daughter and his granddaughter were exiled to Sicily. They were all strangled on Caracalla's orders in early 212.[8]

  1. ^ Anthony Birley, Septimius Severus, The African Emperor, revised edition (New Haven: Yale University, 1988), p. 220
  2. ^ Ostia inscription CIL XIV, 4380
  3. ^ AE 1935, 156
  4. ^ "Herodian 3.10 - Livius". www.livius.org. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
  5. ^ Kerrigan, Michael (2016-07-15). The Untold History of the Roman Emperors. Cavendish Square. p. 204. ISBN 978-1-5026-1910-5.
  6. ^ "Herodian 3.10.8 - Livius". www.livius.org. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
  7. ^ "Herodian 3.11 - Livius". www.livius.org. Retrieved 2019-11-23.
  8. ^ a b Kerrigan, Michael (2016-07-15). The Untold History of the Roman Emperors. Cavendish Square. p. 207. ISBN 978-1-5026-1910-5.