Lucius Antistius Rusticus facts for kids

Lucius Antistius Rusticus (born around 48 AD, died around 93 AD) was an important Roman senator. He served as a suffect consul (a special kind of consul) in 90 AD, sharing the role with Lucius Julius Ursus Servianus.

Lucius Antistius Rusticus: A Roman Leader

Lucius Antistius Rusticus came from a city called Corduba in what is now Spain. Some historians believe his family might have been early Italian settlers in the area.

His Early Career

Rusticus began his career in a minor role called decemviri stlitibus iudicandis. This was one of the first steps for young men hoping to become senators. It usually meant he was either the son of a senator or had been given special permission to join the senatorial class.

In 69 AD, a time known as the Year of the Four Emperors (when several emperors fought for power), Rusticus was a military tribune in the Legio II Augusta (a Roman army legion). He helped convince the Roman armies in Britain to support Vespasian, who eventually became emperor. Because of his loyalty, he was given a higher rank in the Senate and received special military awards.

After this, he was put in charge of maintaining important roads, the Via Aurelia and Via Cornelia. Later, he commanded the Legio VIII Augusta legion, which was stationed in Germania Superior (part of modern-day Germany).

Important Roles and Achievements

From 83 to 84 AD, Rusticus was appointed proconsular governor of Baetica, a Roman province in modern-day Spain. A governor was like a mayor or leader of a large area. This was a very respected position. During his time as governor, he helped settle a land dispute between two towns.

From 87 to 89 AD, he became the prefect of the Aerarium Saturni, which was the main treasury of Rome. This meant he was in charge of the empire's money.

After serving as consul, Rusticus became the governor of the large and important province of Cappadocia-Galatia (in modern-day Turkey) from 92 to 93 AD. While he was governor there, the local leaders (called decurions) from the city of Antioch asked him for help because a harsh winter had caused a famine. His actions to help them were recorded on an ancient stone.

Rusticus died while still serving as governor, likely around 93 AD. His replacement, Titus Pomponius Bassus, took over in 94 AD.

Family Life

Lucius Antistius Rusticus was married to a woman named Mummia Nigrina. She came from a wealthy family and shared her inheritance with him. When Rusticus died in Cappadocia, Mummia Nigrina brought his ashes back to Rome. This shows how much she cared for him. They are not known to have had any children.

See also

In Spanish: Lucio Antistio Rústico para niños