Titus Statilius Taurus facts for kids
Titus Statilius Taurus was a famous name in ancient Rome! It belonged to a family of important Roman senators. The most well-known person with this name was a Roman general and a consul (a top leader) twice. He lived during the time of the Triumvirate and the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. Other people named Titus Statilius Taurus were his children and grandchildren.
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Meet Titus Statilius Taurus (The First)
Titus Statilius Taurus (the First) was a powerful general and a consul two times. He lived during the time when Rome was changing from a Republic to an Empire. Taurus was a novus homo, which means "new man." This was a special term for someone who became important in politics without their family being famous before them. He came from a region in Italy called Lucania.
Taurus's Early Career and Victories
At first, Taurus supported Marcus Antonius, another powerful Roman leader. Antony chose Taurus to be a special consul in 37 BC. Later, Antony sent Taurus with a fleet (a group of ships) to help Octavian (who later became Emperor Augustus). Octavian was fighting against Sextus Pompeius.
After Pompey was defeated in Sicily, Taurus sailed to the province of Africa. He took control of this area easily. Because of his success, he was given a special celebration called a triumph in 34 BC. This was a huge parade in Rome to honor a victorious general!
Building Rome's First Amphitheater
When Taurus returned to Rome, he started building the city's very first permanent amphitheater. This was a huge arena for public shows, like gladiator fights. It was a big deal because before this, such events were held in temporary wooden structures.
More Military Success and Political Roles
In 34 BC, Taurus went with Octavian on a military trip to Dalmatia. When Octavian went back to Rome, Taurus stayed behind to lead the troops there.
Later, when a big war started between Octavian and Marcus Antonius (with Cleopatra), Taurus chose to support Octavian. In the famous Battle of Actium, Taurus was in charge of Octavian's land army. Antony's soldiers actually surrendered to Taurus without a fight! This helped Octavian win the war much faster.
After Antony's death, Taurus was sent to Spain in 29 BC. There, he defeated several groups of people, including the Cantabrians, the Vaccaei, and the Astures.
A Close Friend of Augustus
Taurus became a regular consul in 26 BC, serving alongside Augustus himself! This showed how much Augustus trusted him. In 16 BC, when Augustus left Italy for Gaul, he left Taurus in charge of Rome as the praefectus urbi (city prefect). This was a very important job, like being the mayor and police chief of Rome.
Taurus was one of the last people to hold the consulship multiple times before Augustus took full control of the government. It seems Augustus was trying out a way to share power before he became the unofficial emperor.
The Amphitheater's Grand Opening
Taurus's amphitheater was finished in 29 BC. It opened with many exciting gladiator contests. People loved these shows so much that the Roman assembly gave Taurus the right to choose a praetor (another important Roman official) every year.
It is also said that Taurus had his own private bodyguards of German slaves in Rome.
Taurus's Family
Taurus likely had three sons and possibly two daughters. It's not certain if all his children were with the same mother.
- His oldest son, also named Titus Statilius Taurus (the Second), was a monetalis (a person who minted coins), but he died before he could become a consul.
- A second son, Titus Statilius Taurus (the Third), became consul in 11 AD.
- A third son was named Sisenna Statilius Taurus, and he was consul in 16 AD.
- Taurus definitely had at least one daughter, Statilia L. Pisonis, who married Lucius Calpurnius Piso the Augur.
- Another daughter might have been a Statilia who lived to be 99 years old during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Titus Statilius Taurus (The Second)
Titus Statilius Taurus (the Second) was the oldest son of Titus Statilius Taurus (the First). He might have been the full or half-brother of Titus Statilius Taurus (the Third), Sisenna Statilius Taurus, and Statilia L. Pisonis.
We only know that this Taurus was a monetalis (a person who helped make coins) and that he passed away before he was old enough to become a consul.
Titus Statilius Taurus (The Third)
Titus Statilius Taurus (the Third) became a consul in 11 AD. He was the second son of Titus Statilius Taurus (the First). He was likely the full-brother of Sisenna Statilius Taurus and Statilia L. Pisonis.
This Taurus married a woman named Valeria. She was the daughter of a senator named Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus. They had three children together:
- Two sons who became consuls: Titus Statilius Taurus (the Fourth) and Titus Statilius Taurus Corvinus.
- A daughter named Statilia Messallina, who was the mother of the Empress Statilia Messalina.
Titus Statilius Taurus (The Fourth)
Titus Statilius Taurus (the Fourth) was the oldest son of Titus Statilius Taurus (the Third) and Valeria. He was the brother of Titus Statilius Taurus Corvinus, who was consul in 45 AD. This Taurus became a consul in 44 AD. Later, he served as a proconsul (a governor) of Africa from 51 to 53 AD.
He was a very rich man and created the famous Taurian Gardens. These were beautiful gardens in Rome.
See also
In Spanish: Tito Estatilio Tauro (cónsul 26 a. C.) para niños
