Quintus Veranius facts for kids

Quintus Veranius was an important Roman general who lived around the middle of the first century AD. He held many important jobs in the Roman government and army, serving under emperors like Tiberius and Claudius. He was known for his military skills and for governing different Roman provinces.

Early Life and Roman Career

Quintus Veranius started his career in Rome as a young official. One of his first jobs was III vir monetalis, which meant he helped with making coins. Later, he became a military officer, serving as a tribune in the Fourth Scythian Legion.

He then moved into politics. He was a quaestor under Emperor Tiberius, which meant he helped manage the government's money. In 41 AD, he became a tribune of the plebs, a role that protected the rights of ordinary Roman citizens. The next year, in 42 AD, he became a praetor, acting as a judge or a military commander.

Governor of Lycia

In 43 AD, Emperor Claudius created a new Roman province called Lycia (in modern-day Turkey). Claudius chose Veranius to be its first governor. Veranius governed Lycia until 48 AD. During this time, he successfully stopped a rebellion in a region called Cilicia Trachea.

High Honors in Rome

After his time as governor, Veranius returned to Rome. In 49 AD, he became a consul, which was one of the highest and most respected positions in the Roman government. Emperor Claudius also gave him the special status of a patrician, meaning he was part of the noble class. He was also appointed as an augur, a religious official who interpreted signs from the gods.

Governor of Britain

In 57 AD, Quintus Veranius was appointed governor of Britain. He took over from the previous governor, Aulus Didius Gallus. Didius Gallus had focused on keeping the existing borders, but Veranius had different plans.

Veranius immediately began military operations against the Silures, a powerful tribe living in what is now Wales. However, he died within a year of becoming governor.

Legacy in Britain

In his will, Veranius praised Emperor Nero and claimed that if he had lived for two more years, he would have conquered the entire island of Britain. He was replaced by Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. The speed with which Suetonius Paulinus later conquered parts of Wales suggests that Veranius had already done a lot of the hard work before his death.

A Philosopher's Dedication

Onasander, a Greek philosopher, wrote a book called Strategikos. This book was about how to be a good general. Onasander dedicated his book to Veranius sometime between 49 AD (when Veranius was consul) and his death in 57 AD. This shows that Veranius was respected not just as a military leader but also as someone interested in strategy and knowledge.