Lucius Minicius Natalis Quadronius Verus facts for kids

Lucius Minicius Natalis Quadronius Verus (born in Barcino, AD 96) was an important Roman statesman and military leader. He served as the governor of Africa from 153 to 154. He was also the first known Olympic champion to be born in what is now Spain.

Early Life of Lucius Minicius

Lucius Minicius was born in February 96 AD. His father, Lucius Minicius Natalis, started as an ordinary citizen (a plebeian). But he became very successful in the military and government under emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Because of his father's achievements, Lucius Minicius's family was allowed to join the important Senate.

Lucius Minicius grew up in Barcino, which is modern-day Barcelona, in a Roman area called Hispania Tarraconensis.

His first important public job was as one of the tresviri monetales. This was a very respected position, usually given to noble families or people who were well-liked. Since his father was a successful general, Lucius Minicius likely got this job because of his family's influence.

Military Career and Adventures

Lucius Minicius had an amazing career in the Roman army. He served as a military tribune in three different legions (large army units). This was very unusual, and only a few people, like Emperor Hadrian, did this. All three legions were stationed near the Danube River, which was an important border for the Roman Empire.

He served in Legio I Adiutrix around 115 AD, then in Legio XI Claudia in Moesia around the same time. Finally, he served in Legio XIV Gemina at Carnuntum around 116 AD. His father was the governor of Dacia (a Roman province) at the same time Lucius Minicius was with the XIV Gemina. Lucius Minicius played a key role in the Roman conquest of Dacia.

After his military service, he returned to Rome. Emperor Hadrian chose him to be his quaestor (a financial officer). Around this time, he also became an augur, which was a priest who interpreted signs from the gods. This showed his high social status and the powerful people who supported him.

Lucius Minicius was even allowed to work as an assistant to his father when his father was governor of Africa around 121 AD. After this, he became a plebeian tribune, a public official who protected the rights of ordinary citizens.

Later, he became a praetor (a senior judge or magistrate). Around 130 AD, he was made the commander of the Legio VI Victrix in Britain. It's thought that the governor of Roman Britain recommended him for this important role.

Olympic Champion of Ancient Rome

After his time as a praetor, in 129 AD, Lucius Minicius decided to compete in the famous Ancient Olympic Games in Greece.

To get ready, he traveled to Tarraco, a big city in Hispania Tarraconensis. This city was holding Roman chariot races to pick who would go to the Olympics. Lucius Minicius hired the best chariot driver, and they won the race! This meant he qualified to go to Greece.

He then went on to win the chariot race at the 227th Olympiad. This made him a celebrated Olympic champion!

Public Service and Later Career

After his Olympic win and return to Rome, Lucius Minicius continued his distinguished public service. He was appointed praefectus alimentorum, which meant he was in charge of the food supply for Rome. Then he became a curator for the Via Flaminia, an important Roman road.

In 139 AD, he became a suffect consul with Lucius Claudius Proculus. A consul was one of the highest elected officials in the Roman Republic and Empire. From about 142 to 145 AD, he served as the governor of Moesia Inferior. Finally, Lucius Minicius served as the Proconsul of Africa from 153 to 154 AD.

Lasting Legacy

Lucius Minicius was a great supporter of Barcino, his hometown. In 125 AD, he gave the city a spa town with aqueducts (water channels). Parts of these ancient baths have been found under a town square in Barcelona called plaça de Sant Miquel.

Two special plates honoring him were also found. You can see them on display at the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia. Every year on his birthday, Lucius Minicius would give money to the city.

To honor him, the Generalitat of Catalonia (the government of Catalonia) created a medal for Olympic athletes from Catalonia. The city of Barcelona also named an area after him at Montjuïc, which is a place where Olympic events have been held.

See also

In Spanish: Lucio Minicio Natal para niños