Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus facts for kids

A replica of Classicianus's tombstone at the Museum of London

Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus was an important Roman official. He worked in Roman Britain from the year 61 until he passed away in 65. He was a "procurator," which means he was like a financial manager or a special government agent for the Roman Emperor.

Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus

Taking Charge in Britain

Classicianus became the procurator of Roman Britain in 61 AD. This happened right after a big rebellion led by Boudica, a queen of the Iceni tribe. The previous procurator, Catus Decianus, had run away to Gaul (modern-day France) because of the rebellion.

Classicianus was worried about how the Roman governor, Suetonius Paulinus, was treating the people. Paulinus was being very harsh after the rebellion. Classicianus believed this harshness would cause more fighting and problems. He told the Roman Emperor Nero about his concerns.

Emperor Nero then sent his trusted helper, Polyclitus, to investigate the situation. They found a reason to remove Suetonius Paulinus from his job. They said he had lost some ships. After that, Publius Petronius Turpilianus took over as the new governor.

Helping Rebuild London

Classicianus died in London in the year 65 AD. Just four years before, Boudica's rebellion had destroyed London. This means Classicianus played a big part in rebuilding the city. He likely oversaw many important construction projects.

His wife, Julia Pacata, had a special monument built for him. Julia Pacata was the daughter of Julius Indus. He was a nobleman from a Gaulish tribe called the Treveri. Her father had become a commander of a Roman cavalry unit.

Classicianus's tombstone was later reused in the medieval wall of London. Today, after being put back together, you can see it at the British Museum.