Claudius Hieronymianus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claudius Hieronymianus
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| Allegiance | Roman Empire |
| Years of service | c.190 – c.212 |
| Rank | Legate, Governor |
| Commands held | Legio VI Victrix Cappadocia |
| Battles/wars | Roman invasion of Caledonia 208–210 |
Claudius Hieronymianus was an important Roman leader. He was a Legate, which means he commanded a large group of soldiers called a legion. He led the 6th Legion in Britain. This was during military campaigns in Caledonia (modern-day Scotland). These campaigns happened under Emperor Septimius Severus. Later, Claudius Hieronymianus became a Governor of a Roman province called Cappadocia.
What Was His Job?
We don't know much about Claudius Hieronymianus. His name appears in only a few old writings. One important mention is on a stone found in Eboracum (which is now York). This stone tells us that he was the Legate of the 6th Legion. This legion was stationed in Eboracum. He held this position sometime between the years AD 190 and AD 212. By AD 212, he had become the Governor of Cappadocia.
His Beliefs and Actions
Claudius Hieronymianus's personal life is also mentioned in an old text. A writer named Tertullian wrote about him. Tertullian said that when Hieronymianus was Governor of Cappadocia, he was very dedicated to his own pagan religious views. He showed this by building a new Roman temple in York. This temple was for the god Serapis.
The Temple to Serapis in York
The stone with Hieronymianus's name was found in 1770. It was discovered in a place called Toft Green in York. Workers were digging a cellar when they found it. They came across the foundation of an old Roman building. The stone itself was large, about three feet long.
The words carved on the stone say: "To the holy god Serapis, Claudius Hieronymianus, legate of the Sixth Legion Victrix, built this temple from the ground."
Historians believe this temple might have been built just before Emperor Septimius Severus arrived in Eboracum in AD 208. Emperor Severus was a strong follower of the god Serapis. By building this temple, Hieronymianus was likely showing his loyalty to the Emperor. He was also showing his strong Roman identity.
