Imperial General: The Remarkable Career of Petellius Cerialis

Petellius Cerialis was a Roman general who played a pivotal role in the Roman conquest of Britain and the suppression of the Boudican Revolt. He was a skilled military commander and a wise administrator, and his career is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Roman Empire.

Imperial General: The Remarkable Career of Petellius Cerialis

by Philip Matyszak

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Early Life and Career

Petellius Cerialis was born in the Roman province of Noricum (modern-day Austria) in the year 22 AD. His father was a Roman knight, and his mother was a member of the Celtic tribe of the Norici. Cerialis received a traditional Roman education, and he showed an early aptitude for military service.

In 43 AD, Cerialis joined the Roman army and was assigned to the Legio XIV Gemina, which was stationed in Britain. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 52 AD he was a tribune in the legion. In this role, he participated in the Roman invasion of Wales, which was led by the governor of Britain, Aulus Plautius.

The Boudican Revolt

In 60 AD, the Roman governor of Britain, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, launched a campaign against the Celtic tribe of the Iceni, who were led by their queen, Boudica. The Iceni had been angered by the Romans' oppressive rule, and they rose up in revolt. Boudica's forces quickly defeated the Roman legions and sacked the Roman towns of Colchester, London, and St Albans.

When news of the revolt reached Rome, the emperor Nero sent Cerialis to Britain with the Legio IX Hispana to help suppress the uprising. Cerialis arrived in Britain in 61 AD and quickly joined forces with Suetonius Paulinus. Together, they defeated Boudica's forces in a decisive battle at the Battle of Watling Street. Boudica was killed in the battle, and the revolt was crushed.

Suppression of the Revolt

After the Boudican Revolt, Cerialis was given command of Legio IX Hispana and was tasked with suppressing the remaining pockets of resistance in Britain. He campaigned in the north of England and Wales, and he successfully defeated the Celtic tribes who had supported Boudica. By 63 AD, the revolt had been completely crushed, and Cerialis was hailed as a hero by the Roman people.

Later Career

After his victory in Britain, Cerialis was appointed governor of the province of Germania Inferior (modern-day Netherlands). He served in this role for several years, and he successfully defended the province against attacks from the Germanic tribes. In 70 AD, Cerialis was recalled to Rome and was given command of the Legio VII Claudia. He led this legion to victory in the First Battle of Bedriacum, which was part of the civil war between the emperors Vitellius and Vespasian.

After the civil war, Cerialis was appointed governor of the province of Moesia (modern-day Serbia and Bulgaria). He served in this role for several years, and he successfully defended the province against attacks from the Sarmatian tribes. In 84 AD, Cerialis was recalled to Rome and retired from military service.

Legacy

Petellius Cerialis was one of the most successful Roman generals of his time. He played a pivotal role in the Roman conquest of Britain and the suppression of the Boudican Revolt. He was a skilled military commander and a wise administrator, and his career is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Roman Empire.

Cerialis's legacy is still felt today. He is remembered as a hero by the British people, and his name is still given to streets and schools in Britain. His military campaigns helped to secure the Roman Empire's hold on Britain, and his administrative reforms helped to improve the lives of the British people.

Petellius Cerialis was a remarkable man who lived a life of adventure and achievement. He was a skilled military commander, a wise administrator, and a loyal servant of the Roman Empire. His career is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Roman Empire, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.