Marius Valerianus facts for kids
Marius Valerianus was an important Roman leader. He served as a governor in a part of ancient Britain called Britannia Inferior. This was a province of Roman Britain, and he held his position between the years 221 and 223 AD.
Who Was Marius Valerianus?
Marius Valerianus was a Roman official who helped govern a large area. His job was to lead the province of Britannia Inferior. This was a key part of the Roman Empire's control over Britain.
Discovering His Role
We know about Marius Valerianus because of three special stone carvings. These carvings are called inscriptions. They were found in different places: Chesters, Netherby, and South Shields.
A historian named Anthony Birley explains why these inscriptions are so important. They show that Marius Valerianus was in charge of the entire northern border of Roman Britain. This long border stretched from the North Sea in the east to the western parts, north of a town called Carlisle.
His Possible Career Path
Not much else is known about Marius Valerianus's life or career. However, some historians have made educated guesses.
One idea, suggested by E. Ritterling, is that he might have been a centurion. A centurion was a leader in the Praetorian Guard, which was a special group of soldiers who protected the Roman Emperor. This could have happened during the time of Emperor Septimus Severus.
It was not unusual for someone like him to rise to a high rank. Becoming a senator, a powerful Roman politician, from a military background was possible. This kind of rise in status could happen during the reign of Emperor Elagabalus.
