Publius Cornelius Anullinus facts for kids
Publius Cornelius Anullinus was an important general who served the Roman emperor Septimius Severus. He came from a city called Iliberis, which is near modern-day Granada in Spain. People believe he wasn't from a rich, noble family (called patricians) but was part of the equites, who were wealthy Roman citizens, often knights or businessmen.
Anullinus was a governor of the Roman area called Hispania Baetica around the year 170. Later, the future emperor Severus worked under him as a quaestor, which was a financial official. It's thought they might have met earlier in Rome, and Severus joined Anullinus's team because Anullinus asked him to.
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Anullinus's Military Career
Anullinus became a key military leader during the Roman civil wars. In 193, he took charge of Emperor Severus's army in the war against Pescennius Niger. Niger was another person who wanted to be emperor.
Victory at the Battle of Issus
The next year, in 194, Anullinus led his army to a huge victory against Niger at the Battle of Issus. This battle was part of a confusing time in Roman history known as the Year of the Five Emperors, when several people were fighting for control.
Later Achievements
Anullinus must have become a consul (a very high-ranking Roman official) before 196. In that year, he was the praefectus urbi of Rome, which meant he was in charge of the city's police and order.
After that, in 197, he commanded one part of the army that Severus sent to fight against the city of Adiabene. Anullinus was made consul for a second time in 199, showing how much Emperor Severus trusted him.
Family and Legacy
Anullinus's family stayed important even after Severus died. Severus's son, Caracalla, became emperor, and another Publius Cornelius Anulinus (likely a relative) became a consul ordinarius in 216. This shows that the family kept its good standing with the new emperor.
