Quintus Petillius Cerialis facts for kids
Quintus Petillius Cerialis (born around 30 AD, died after 83 AD) was an important Roman general and leader. He served in Britain during a big rebellion led by Queen Boudica. Later, he was involved in the civil wars that happened after Emperor Nero died. Cerialis also stopped another rebellion led by Julius Civilis. After these events, he returned to Britain to become its governor.
Cerialis was connected to the powerful Flavian family. He was the son-in-law of Vespasian, who later became a Roman Emperor. This connection helped him rise in the Roman government and military.
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Fighting Boudica's Rebellion
Cerialis had his first major job in Britannia. He was the commander of the Legio IX Hispana (Ninth Spanish Legion). This was during the time when Gaius Suetonius Paulinus was the governor.
Around 60 or 61 AD, Queen Boudica of the Iceni tribe led a huge rebellion against the Romans. Cerialis and his legion faced a tough defeat. He was trying to help the city of Camulodunum (Colchester), but the Britons attacked before he arrived. The enemy defeated his soldiers and destroyed all his infantry. Cerialis managed to escape with some cavalry. He found safety inside his army camp's strong walls.
Role in Roman Civil War
In 69 AD, Rome was in a period of civil war. This was after Emperor Nero's death. Cerialis was the son-in-law of Vespasian, who was fighting to become the new emperor. Because of this, another emperor, Vitellius, took Cerialis as a hostage.
Cerialis was clever and managed to escape. He dressed up like a farmer to get away. Then, he joined Vespasian's army. He became one of the cavalry leaders who helped Vespasian's forces take control of Rome. Cerialis led his troops into the city through the Sabine territory.
Stopping the Batavian Revolt
After Vespasian became emperor, he trusted Cerialis greatly. Cerialis was given command of the Legio XIV Gemina (Fourteenth Twin Legion). This legion was stationed in Germania Inferior, a challenging Roman province.
Here, Cerialis had to deal with another local uprising. This was the Batavian rebellion, led by Gaius Julius Civilis. Civilis was a Romanized prince from the local tribes. His forces surrounded two Roman legions at Xanten. Cerialis was successful again in putting down this revolt. For his victories, Emperor Vespasian honored him. Cerialis even became a Roman consul for the first time.
Governor of Britain
In 71 AD, Cerialis was made governor of Roman Britain. He brought the Legio II Adiutrix (Second Helper Legion) with him. He also had the support of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, who commanded the Legio XX Valeria Victrix (Twentieth Victorious Legion).
As governor, Cerialis led military campaigns. He fought against the Brigantes tribe in northern England. In 74 AD, Cerialis left Britain. Records show that on May 21, 74 AD, he was a consul for a second time. His fellow consul was Titus Clodius Eprius Marcellus.
The Roman historian Tacitus wrote about Cerialis. He said Cerialis was a brave soldier. He preferred to risk everything in one big battle. Tacitus also noted that Cerialis was a good speaker. He knew how to inspire his soldiers. Most importantly, Cerialis was always loyal to his leaders.
