Marcus Plautius Silvanus was a

Roman Roman or Romans most often refers to: * Rome, the capital city of Italy * Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD *Roman people, the people of ancient Rome *''Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a lett ...

politician and general active during the

Principate The Principate is the name sometimes given to the first period of the Roman Empire from the beginning of the reign of Augustus in 27 BC to the end of the Crisis of the Third Century in AD 284, after which it evolved into the so-called Dominate. ...

. He was

consul Consul (abbrev. ''cos.''; Latin plural ''consules'') was the title of one of the two chief magistrates of the Roman Republic, and subsequently also an important title under the Roman Empire. The title was used in other European city-states throu ...

in 2 BC as the colleague of the emperor

Augustus Caesar Augustus (born Gaius Octavius; 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavian, was the first Roman emperor; he reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. He is known for being the founder of the Roman Pr ...

Biography

Marcus Plautius Silvanus the son of another Marcus Plautius Silvanus and

Urgulania Urgulania (fl. 24 AD), was a prominent noblewoman during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, due to her friendship with the empress Livia. She was the mother of the Roman general Marcus Plautius Silvanus (consul in 2 BC), who had distinguished ...

, Lily Ross Taylor
"Trebula Suffenas and the Plautii Silvani"
''Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome'', 24 (1956), p. 24 a close friend of the empress

Livia Livia Drusilla (30 January 59 BC – 28 September AD 29) was a Roman empress from 27 BC to AD 14 as the wife of Emperor Augustus Caesar. She was known as Julia Augusta after her formal adoption into the Julian family in AD 14. Livia was the ...

who was of Etruscan descent. It is suggested by

Ronald Syme Sir Ronald Syme, (11 March 1903 – 4 September 1989) was a New Zealand-born historian and classicist. He was regarded as the greatest historian of ancient Rome since Theodor Mommsen and the most brilliant exponent of the history of the Roman ...

, extrapolating from Tacitus, that it was Urgulania's influence over

that allowed Silvanus to climb the

cursus honorum The ''cursus honorum'' (; , or more colloquially 'ladder of offices') was the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire. It was designed for men of senatorial rank. The ''c ...

, enabling him to reach the consulate in 2 BC alongside

. Silvanus was then made

proconsul A proconsul was an official of ancient Rome who acted on behalf of a consul. A proconsul was typically a former consul. The term is also used in recent history for officials with delegated authority. In the Roman Republic, military command, or ' ...

Asia Asia (, ) is one of the world's most notable geographical regions, which is either considered a continent in its own right or a subcontinent of Eurasia, which shares the continental landmass of Afro-Eurasia with Africa. Asia covers an are ...

in 4-5 AD, followed by appointment as ''

legatus pro praetore A ''legatus'' (; anglicised as legate) was a high-ranking Roman military officer in the Roman Army, equivalent to a modern high-ranking general officer. Initially used to delegate power, the term became formalised under Augustus as the officer ...

'' of the

imperial province An imperial province was a Roman province during the Principate where the Roman Emperor had the sole right to appoint the governor (''legatus Augusti pro praetore''). These provinces were often the strategically located border provinces. The pr ...

Galatia Galatia (; grc, Γαλατία, ''Galatía'', "Gaul") was an ancient area in the highlands of central Anatolia, roughly corresponding to the provinces of Ankara and Eskişehir, in modern Turkey. Galatia was named after the Gauls from Thrace ...

in 6 AD, where he was involved in suppressing the

Isauria Isauria ( or ; grc, Ἰσαυρία), in ancient geography, is a rugged, isolated, district in the interior of Asia Minor, of very different extent at different periods, but generally covering what is now the district of Bozkır and its surro ...

ns as mentioned in Cassius Dio.Cassius Dio, ''The Roman History'', LV, 28 He was also a septemvir of the Epulones. Although Silvanus served under

Tiberius Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus (; 16 November 42 BC – 16 March AD 37) was the second Roman emperor. He reigned from AD 14 until 37, succeeding his stepfather, the first Roman emperor Augustus. Tiberius was born in Rome in 42 BC. His father ...

for the duration of the

Great Illyrian Revolt The (Latin for 'War of the Batos') was a military conflict fought in the Roman province of Illyricum in the 1st century AD, in which an alliance of native peoples of the two regions of Illyricum, Dalmatia and Pannonia, revolted against the Roma ...

or ''

Bellum Batonianum The ( Latin for 'War of the Batos') was a military conflict fought in the Roman province of Illyricum in the 1st century AD, in which an alliance of native peoples of the two regions of Illyricum, Dalmatia and Pannonia, revolted against the R ...

'', Syme suggests that the future emperor had doubts about him, due to his close connection, via his mother, with Livia. Certainly Silvanus does not appear in the histories after the events in Illyricum during AD 6–9.

Suppression of the Isaurians

In the year AD 6, Silvanus was assigned as

Proconsul A proconsul was an official of ancient Rome who acted on behalf of a consul. A proconsul was typically a former consul. The term is also used in recent history for officials with delegated authority. In the Roman Republic, military command, or ' ...

to the province of

, which by that date included the coastal region of

Pamphylia Pamphylia (; grc, Παμφυλία, ''Pamphylía'') was a region in the south of Asia Minor, between Lycia and Cilicia, extending from the Mediterranean to Mount Taurus (all in modern-day Antalya province, Turkey). It was bounded on the north b ...

Cassius Dio Lucius Cassius Dio (), also known as Dio Cassius ( ), was a Roman historian and senator of maternal Greek origin. He published 80 volumes of the history on ancient Rome, beginning with the arrival of Aeneas in Italy. The volumes documented the ...

writes that the Isaurians began a series of 'marauding expeditions', and did not desist until they were faced with 'grim war.' The modern historian, Noel Lenski, following Syme and Mitchell, writes that the client king, Archelaus I, was unable to handle the uprising himself, 'and thereby forced the Romans to commit at least two legions under Marcus Plautius Silvanus to regain control.' Mitchell also suggests that one of these legions was Legio VII Macedonica which was stationed at Antioch during the period.

Participation in The Great Illyrian Revolt, or Bellum Batonianum

Late in AD 6, the

began in Illyricum.Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'', Bk 55, ch 29 In AD 7, probably late in autumn of early in winter, Silvanus was summoned by

, who had been assigned to the command of the military situation in Illyricum, to bring more forces to help suppress the revolt.Velleius Paterculus, ''The Roman History'', II, 111.2 The ancient writers do not state where these legions came from; however modern historians have deduced that he brought two (or possibly three) legions, possibly

Legio IV Scythica Legio was a Roman military camp south of Tel Megiddo in the Roman province of Galilee. History Following the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-136CE), Legio VI Ferrata was stationed at Legio near Caparcotna. The approximate location of the camp of the Leg ...

and Legio V Macedonica, perhaps drawn from Syria Regarding the year in which Silvanus arrived in Illyricum, the ancient writers all give the year AD 7, which was followed by the twentieth century historian Syme who stated the 7 AD date was 'indisputable.' However, some modern historians have suggested a contradictory, and probably erroneous, 'amphibious landing' during AD 6. Velleius Paterculus seems to suggest that Silvanus joined

Caecina Severus Aulus Caecina Severus was a Roman politician and general who was consul in 1 BC. He was Emperor Augustus' representative in Moesia when the Great Illyrian Revolt broke out. As a result, he spent 4 years in heavy fighting against the Illyrian ...

, the imperial legate of

Moesia Moesia (; Latin: ''Moesia''; el, Μοισία, Moisía) was an ancient region and later Roman province situated in the Balkans south of the Danube River, which included most of the territory of modern eastern Serbia, Kosovo, north-eastern Alban ...

, in his province before they marched together towards Illyricum. During the march, they were joined by a cavalry force of Thracians, led by King Rhoemetalces. This force was unexpectedly attacked en route by the enemy near the Volcaean marshes, in northern Pannonia near Siscia (modern Sisak), but successfully defeated them. Dio, however, does not mention Silvanus' involvement in this incident, while modern historians explicitly state that this event only involved Caecina and his Moesian forces. Once the two generals, Silvanus and

, and their legions had joined forces and successfully reached Illyricum, they fought a major battle against the rebels near

Sirmium Sirmium was a city in the Roman province of Pannonia, located on the Sava river, on the site of modern Sremska Mitrovica in the Vojvodina autonomous provice of Serbia. First mentioned in the 4th century BC and originally inhabited by Illyria ...

. The Roman forces were victorious, but suffered heavy losses. Velleius Paterculus mentions the deaths of military tribunes, a number of prefects, a camp prefect and some centurions, including some of the front rank. No number is given of total deaths.Velleius Paterculus, ''The Roman History'', Bk 2, ch 112.5 Paterculus called this battle 'an almost deadly defeat' and states that the victory 'won more glory or the soldiersthan was left over for their officers,' due to their failure to follow Tiberius' example and send out scouts to ascertain the location of the enemy. Following this unpromising beginning, Silvanus with his two 'eastern legions', accompanied by Caecina's legion, marched to Siscia (modern Sisak) to join Tiberius and the two legions already assembled there. Dzino, ''Failure of Greater Illyricum'', p. 153 Once the men had had time to recover, Tiberius immediately split the forces into four, sending Caecina back to Moesia, and marching with Silvanus and the 'eastern legions' back to Sirmium where they wintered, and where Silvanus continued to operate from for the remainder of the conflict. Paterculus states that Tiberius took them on a 'long and extremely arduous march, the difficulties of which are hardly describable,' though he does not mention Silvanus' role specifically. During AD 8, Dio relates that Silvanus personally led a successful campaign to defeat the Breucians, and won the allegiance of some other Illyrian tribes without a fight.Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'' LV, 34 In the final year of the revolt, AD 9, Silvanus remained in Illyricum, acting out of Sirmium. Dio states that his forces were ravaging Pannonia, which caused the remaining tribes to make terms. For his actions, he was granted triumphal honours along with the other commanders, attested by the inscription which appears on Silvanus' tomb in Tivoli, Italy.

Family

Marcus Plautius Silvanus was the son of another Marcus Plautius Silvanus (unattested) and

, a close friend of

. It is possible that the family is descended from Marcus Plautius Hypsaeus, consul in 125 BC, however this is doubted by Syme. Silvanus married Lartia. Their known children include: * Marcus Plautius Silvanus. First married

Fabia Numantina Fabia may refer to: * Fabia gens, an ancient Roman family * Fabia, the daughter of Marcus Fabius Ambustus (consular tribune 381 BC) * Fabia (given name), an Italian feminine given name derived from masculine Fabio * Fabia Arete, Roman actress * Fab ...

, but their marriage was over prior to AD 24, as by then he was married to Apronia, daughter of

Lucius Apronius Lucius Apronius was a Roman senator and suffect consul in 8 AD. Achievements He became suffect consul in 8 AD, and was a military commander active during the reign of Tiberius. Apronius shared in the achievements of Gaius Vibius Postumus ...

. He was accused of murdering Apronia by throwing her out of a window.Tacitus, ''Annales'' IV.22.3 The murder was investigated by emperor Tiberius himself.

then sent her grandson a dagger, encouraging him to commit suicide, which he duly did. Shortly after the murder of Apronia, Fabia Numantina was "charged with having caused her husband's insanity by magical incantations and potions", but was acquitted. * Aulus Plautius Urgulanius. Died at the age of nine. * Publius Plautius Pulcher. Friend and companion of his nephew

Claudius Drusus Tiberius Claudius Drusus (c. AD 9/1220/27) was the eldest son of the Roman Emperor Claudius with his first wife Plautia Urgulanilla. He had one younger sister, Claudia, who was repudiated by Claudius along with Plautia. Background Tiberius Cla ...

. Quaestor to Tiberius, and

augur An augur was a priest and official in the classical Roman world. His main role was the practice of augury, the interpretation of the will of the gods by studying the flight of birds. Determinations were based upon whether they were flying ...

; governor of Sicilia. * Plautia Urgulanilla, first wife of the emperor

Claudius Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (; 1 August 10 BC – 13 October AD 54) was the fourth Roman emperor, ruling from AD 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, Claudius was born to Drusus and Antonia Minor ...

. He is also the first cousin of

Aulus Plautius Aulus Plautius was a Roman politician and general of the mid-1st century. He began the Roman conquest of Britain in 43, and became the first governor of the new province, serving from 43 to 46 CE. Career Little is known of Aulus Plautius's e ...

, who was the father of

, leader of the Invasion of Britannia in 43 AD.

Mausoleum of the Plautii

The mausoleum in which Marcus Plautius Silvanus was interred still stands in modern Tivoli, Italy. A large inscription outlining Silvanus' achievements is still in place, and includes his wife, Lartia and one of his sons, Aulus Plautius Urgulanius, alongside the separate, very detailed stone of his adopted grandson

Tiberius Plautius Silvanus Aelianus Tiberius Plautius Silvanus Aelianus was a Roman patrician who twice served as consul, in 45 and 74 AD. He was the adopted nephew of Plautia Urgulanilla, first wife of the emperor Claudius. It is known he offered up the prayer as pontifex when ...

. The Latin inscription reads: "M Plautius M F A N/ Silvanus/ Cos VIIvir Epulon/ huic senatus triumphalia/ ornamenta decrevit/ ob res in Ilyrico/ bene gestas/ Lartia CN F Uxor/ A Plautius M F/ Urgulanius/ vixit ann IX." The mausoleum was famously painted as 'The Lucano Bridge and Mausoleum Plauti', and engraved from two different places by

Giovanni Battista Piranesi Giovanni Battista (or Giambattista) Piranesi (; also known as simply Piranesi; 4 October 1720 – 9 November 1778) was an Italian Classical archaeologist, architect, and artist, famous for his etchings of Rome and of fictitious and atmospheric ...

, and amongst others, by Franz Knebel and

Onorato Carlandi Onorato Carlandi (15 May 1848, in Rome – 11 April 1939, in Rome) was an Italian painter, mainly of watercolors of Rome, the surrounding countryside and of Great Britain. He was married to the painter, Lina Haverty (?-1950), daughter of the Iri ...

. It also featured on Spode ceramics, the design called 'Bridge of Lucano' during the early 19th century. See for example https://www.blueandwhite.com/products.asp?p=19CN34962

Sources

* Cassius Dio, (2007) ''Roman History.'' * Velleius Paterculus, (2011) ''Roman History.'' * Publius Cornelius Tacitus, ''Annales.'' * Inscription of the Tomb of the Plautii, * Abdale, J.R, (2019) ''The Great Illyrian Revolt: Rome's Forgotten War in the Balkans, AD6-9.'' Pen and Sword. * Dzino, D. (2010) ''The Failure of Greater Illyricum.'', published online Cambridge.org. * Lenski, N. (1999) "From Assimilation and Revolt in the Territory of Isauria, from the Sixth Century BC to the Sixth Century AD," ''Journal of Economics and Social History of the Orient'', Vol 42, no. 4, pp. 413-465. (Jstor) * Mitchell, S, (1976) "Legio VII and the Garrison of Augustan Galatia", ''Classical Quarterly'' no. 26, pp. 298-308. * Syme, Ronald, (1933) "Some Notes on the Legions under Augustus," ''

Journal of Roman Studies The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies (The Roman Society) was founded in 1910 as the sister society to the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies. The Society is the leading organisation in the United Kingdom for those interest ...

'', Vol 23, pp. 14-33. (Jstor) * Syme, Ronald, (1934) ''Galatia and Pamphylia under Augustus: The Governorship of Piso, Quirinus and Silvanus.'' Klio no. 27, p122-148. * Syme, Ronald, (1939) ''The Roman Revolution.'', Clarendon Press, Oxford. * Syme, Ronald, (1986) ''The Augustan Aristocracy.'', Clarendon Press, Oxford. * Lily Ross Taylor, (1956) "Trebula Suffenas and the Plautii Silvani", in ''Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome'', vol. 24.(Jstor) * Wilkes, J.J, (1969) ''Dalmatia.'', Routledge, 1969.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Plautius Silvanus, Marcus 1st-century BC births 1st-century deaths 1st-century BC Romans 1st-century Romans Epulones of the Roman Empire Imperial Roman consuls Silvanus, Marcus Roman governors of Asia Roman governors of Galatia