Aulus Didius Gallus facts for kids
Aulus Didius Gallus was an important Roman senator and general. He lived during the 1st century AD. He held many important jobs in the Roman Empire. He was the governor of Britain from 52 to 57 AD. He also served as a proconsul in Asia and a suffect consul in 39 AD.
A Roman's Career
Aulus Didius Gallus was considered a "new man" in the Roman Senate. This means his family might not have been in the Senate before him. An inscription from Olympia helps us understand parts of his early career.
He was a quaestor (a financial officer) around 19 AD. This was a big honor for someone new to the Senate. If he became quaestor at the usual age of 25, he would have been born around 8 or 7 BC.
Didius Gallus also served as a legate, or assistant, to a proconsul in Asia. He was also a commander of cavalry (horse soldiers). He likely led cavalry during a campaign in Thrace.
Later, Didius was a proconsul (governor) of Sicily. This was during the rule of Emperor Tiberius. He was also the curator aquarum (superintendent of aqueducts) from 38 to 49 AD. He became a consul in 39 AD. This was one of the highest political positions in Rome. He was also part of the septemviri epulonum, a group of important priests.
Didius Gallus received special honors for his military service under Emperor Claudius. This was probably for his work in the Bosporan Kingdom. He commanded Roman forces there until 49 AD. After this, he became the proconsular governor of Asia around 49 or 50 AD.
Governor of Britain
In 52 AD, Didius Gallus became the governor of Britain. He took over after the previous governor died. At this time, there were many rebellions in Britain. The southern part of Britain was safe, but tribes in what is now Wales, like the Silures, were still fighting. Also, Venutius led a rebellion against Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes. Didius sent troops to help her.
Didius Gallus focused on stopping the rebels. He did not try to conquer more land. He was governor until 57 AD. Some historians criticized him for being too defensive. However, others believe he was following orders from Emperor Claudius. Claudius might have thought that conquering more difficult land was not worth the risk. Governors were carefully chosen and given clear instructions.
Instead of conquering, Didius built roads and forts along the borders. For example, he built forts at Usk. These helped to control the local people. After five years, Didius Gallus was replaced by Quintus Veranius.
Cardiff's Name Connection
The modern city of Cardiff in Wales is sometimes said to be named after Didius Gallus.
The earliest Welsh name for the city is Caerdyf. This name combines "Caer" (meaning fort) and another part that is less certain. "Caer" refers to the Roman fort built around 75 AD. Some old stories, like those recorded by William Camden, say the name came from "Caer-Didi" (Didius' Fort). This was based on a belief that Didius built the fort before Frontinus arrived in Britain.
Most modern language experts do not agree with this idea. However, the connection to Didius has remained popular for centuries. It appeared in books like Camden's Britannia (1586) and The Beauties of England and Wales (1815).
