Marcus Roscius Coelius facts for kids

Marcus Roscius Coelius was an important Roman military leader in the 1st century AD. He became a special kind of consul (a high-ranking official) in March and April of AD 81. His partner in this role was Gaius Julius Juvenalis.

Who Was Marcus Roscius Coelius?

Marcus Roscius Coelius was a Roman officer who lived a long time ago, around 1,900 years ago! His full name is sometimes spelled "Caelius" by the ancient writer Tacitus. However, other old records, like the Acta Fratrum Arvalium, call him "Marcus Roscius Coelius". It's a bit like how some people have nicknames or different ways their names are written down.

Early Career in Roman Britain

Coelius was a legate, which means he was a commander of a Roman army unit called a legion. His legion, the Legio XX Valeria Victrix, was stationed in Britain around AD 68. Britain was a part of the Roman Empire back then.

Challenging the Governor

While in Britain, Coelius had some big disagreements with the provincial governor, Marcus Trebellius Maximus. This happened during a very chaotic time in the Roman Empire, known as the Year of Four Emperors. During this year (AD 69), several different leaders fought to become emperor.

Because of the chaos, Coelius saw a chance to challenge the governor's authority. The soldiers in the army sided with Coelius, and Governor Trebellius Maximus lost all his power. He had to flee to Germania to seek protection from one of the emperors, Vitellius. For a short time, Coelius and other legates were in charge of the province. Eventually, Vitellius, who was now emperor, sent a new governor, Marcus Vettius Bolanus, to Britain in late AD 69.

Later Life and Political Role

The civil war ended when Vespasian became the new emperor. In AD 71, Emperor Vespasian called Coelius back from Britain. He had learned about Coelius's actions in challenging the governor. Coelius was replaced as commander of the XX Valeria Victrix by Gnaeus Julius Agricola.

Even though he was recalled, Coelius later achieved a high position. He was appointed a special consul in AD 81. This was about four years after his replacement took over his legion. Some historians think that his actions in Britain might have slowed down his career progress a little bit. However, he still managed to reach a very important political role in the Roman Empire.