Classicus

Family: Treviran · Role: cavalry commander · First appears: Histories IV.55-58

Classicus, commander of the Treviran cavalry, was described as far above the others in birth and wealth: he came of royal line, and his family was famous in peace and war. After Hordeonius Flaccus was assassinated, he began negotiations with Civilis, joined by Julius Tutor and Julius Sabinus. They bound supporters to their conspiracy at Cologne, decided to spare Vitellius’ soldiers in hopes of winning them over, and feigned loyalty to Vocula while preparing betrayal. At Vetera, Classicus and Julius Tutor ratified their compact with the German leaders and separated from the Roman legions.

Classicus dispatched Aemilius Longinus, a deserter from the First legion, to murder Vocula, while Herennius and Numisius were imprisoned. He then “assumed the uniform and insignia of a Roman general,” entered the camp, and imposed allegiance to the Empire of All Gaul, rewarding those who had served the conspiracy. He and Civilis later debated whether to let their troops sack Cologne, and the command was divided between Classicus and Julius Tutor.

After Julius Tutor’s defeat and the destruction of the Treviri, Classicus and Civilis hastily gathered their scattered forces. At Trier, Classicus adopted Julius Tutor’s policy of attacking immediately; he later defeated an advance-guard of cavalry sent by Petilius Cerialis to Novaesium. In a simultaneous assault on four Roman garrisons, Classicus led one attacking party, but Petilius Cerialis routed the Germans, and boats put in to fetch Classicus and Julius Tutor.