“Acerrimus belli concitator”: A Prosopographical Study of Antonius Primus’ Military Network in 69 AD
The paper aims to conduct a prosopographical study of a group of military and political actors who emerged during the events of 69 AD, the time of the so-called Year of the Four Emperors. Through a prosopographical analysis of the political and military figures associated with Marcus Antonius Primus, the legionary legate of the Seventh Galbian legion, the paper examines the formation, composition and development of his military network. Antonius Primus, whom Tacitus famously characterized as the most ardent instigator of war (acerrimus belli concitator), played a decisive role in securing the Flavian victory during the civil wars of 69 AD. The origins of Antonius Primus’ network may be traced to the military council held at Poetovio in August 69 AD, where support for Vespasian’s cause was consolidated among the Danubian legions. The paper follows the subsequent evolution of his military network throughout the Flavian offensive in Italy, led by military forces from the Danubian and Balkan provinces, culminating in Primus’ capture of Rome and the death of Vitellius in December 69 AD. Particular attention is devoted to the commanders and military officers who formed Primus’ circle of associates and accompanied him on the march towards Rome. By reconstructing their careers, roles in the campaign, and connections with Primus, the study traces the development of the military network that emerged around him during the Flavian campaign. By reconstructing Primus’ military network, the paper aims to explore how personal and military relationships facilitated the concentration of military authority in the hands of Antonius Primus – a senator whose career had previously been marked by political setbacks and who was later able to emerge as the leading military commander of the Flavian war effort in Italy. Through a prosopographical examination of the key military actors involved in the campaign and their connections with Primus, the study seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the dynamics that shaped the Flavian offensive, its course, its outcome, and its contribution to Vespasian’s accession to power. More broadly, it aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of military leadership, personal networks, and the exercise of power during one of the most turbulent periods of Roman imperial history.
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Rok Ribič is an MA student of History and Classical Philology at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana. His research focuses on the political and military history of the early Roman imperial period, with particular emphasis on the provinces of Pannonia, Dalmatia, and Noricum. He is currently completing two master’s theses: the first examines the role of military units from the wider Illyrian region during the civil wars of 68–70 AD, while the second employs a prosopographical approach to investigate political and military networks in 68–69 AD. His broader research interests include Roman imperial prosopography, and ancient historiography, particularly the works of Tacitus.
E-mail: rok.ribic050@gmail.com
