Equitius (consul)
Roman army officer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Equitius,[1] or Aequitius, was magister militum (or master of soldiers) in Illyricum in the Roman Empire.
Equitius | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Allegiance | Roman Empire |
| Rank | Magister militum |
Career
Born in Pannonia, he served together with the future Emperor Valentinian I as scutarius (or guardsman).[2] Being one of Valentinian's principal supporters, the new Emperor made Equitius magister militum in Illyricum in 364.[2] When Procopius rose up against Valentinian, Equitius remained loyal to the Emperor.[3] Procopius sent envoys to the Illyrian troops to secure their support, but Equitius had them captured and killed.[3] Valentinian appointed Equitius consul in 374.[4] In 375, when Valentinian died, Equitius was one of the generals who elevated the deceased emperor's second son, Valentinian II, as emperor.[5] He was last seen in the region of Illyria in 384.
