Titus Flavius Sabinus (consul AD 47) facts for kids

Titus Flavius Sabinus was an important Roman politician and soldier. He lived during the time of the Roman Empire. Born in a place called Reate (modern-day Rieti, Italy), he was the older brother of Vespasian, who later became a Roman Emperor. Sabinus played a key role in Roman politics and military events, especially during a chaotic period known as the "Year of the Four Emperors."

Sabinus's Early Career

Sabinus first appears in history around AD 45. This was during the rule of Emperor Claudius. Sabinus served as a military leader, called a legate, in Britain. He worked alongside his brother, Vespasian, in this role.

After his time in Britain, Sabinus became a governor of Moesia. This was a Roman province located in what is now parts of the Balkans. He governed Moesia for seven years, showing his skill in administration.

In AD 47, Sabinus became a consul suffectus. This was a high-ranking political position in Rome. He shared this role with another official named Gnaeus Hosidius Geta.

Prefect of the City

Sabinus held a very important job called praefectus urbi, or "Prefect of the City." He was in charge of keeping order in Rome itself. He held this position for the last eleven years of Emperor Nero's rule.

When Emperor Galba took power in AD 68, Sabinus was replaced. But after Galba died and Otho became emperor in January AD 69, Sabinus was given his old job back. Some people thought Sabinus might have been part of a secret plan against Nero. However, he was never arrested for it.

Supporting His Brother Vespasian

Sabinus was a strong supporter of his brother, Vespasian. At one point, Vespasian was having money problems while governing Africa. Sabinus helped him out by lending him money. This allowed Vespasian to continue his work.

After Emperor Otho died, Sabinus showed his desire to prevent more fighting. He told the city's military units, called urban cohorts, to support Vitellius, who was the new emperor. At the same time, Sabinus's own son, also named Titus Flavius Sabinus, told his troops in northern Italy to do the same. Sabinus kept his important job as Prefect of the City under Vitellius.

The Capitol Under Siege

Soon after, Roman armies in the East declared their support for Vespasian. Vespasian then began to march towards Rome. When Vitellius's troops were defeated, Vitellius offered to give up his power to Sabinus. He wanted Sabinus to hold power until Vespasian arrived.

However, Vitellius's soldiers, especially those from Germany, did not agree with this plan. They attacked Sabinus and his family, who were staying in the Capitol building in Rome. His nephew, Domitian, was also with him.

During the attack, the Capitol was set on fire by Vitellius's forces. In the confusion, Sabinus's family managed to escape. But Sabinus himself was captured. He was brought before Emperor Vitellius, who tried to save him. However, the angry soldiers would not listen. Sabinus lost his life. His body was thrown down the Gemonian Steps. This was a place where the bodies of criminals were displayed before being thrown into the Tiber River.

When Vespasian's generals finally took control of Rome, Sabinus was honored. He was given a special funeral, like that of a high-ranking official.

Sabinus's Character

Historians describe Sabinus as a fair and honest person. He was also known for being very friendly. Some believe that his calm nature and his dislike for violence caused him to lose the well-fortified Capitol building during the civil war. He did not want to harm other Romans.

Sabinus's Family

The name of Sabinus's wife is not clearly known from ancient records.

We do know that Sabinus had a daughter named Flavia Sabina. She was married to Lucius Caesennius Paetus, who was a consul in AD 61.

Historians also believe Sabinus had two sons. They were Titus Flavius Sabinus and Gnaeus Arulenus Caelius Sabinus. Both of his sons became consuls in the year AD 69.

See also

• Flavia gens