Q. Titurius Sabinus

Also known as: Q. Titurius / Q. Titurus Sabinus / Sabinus / Titurius · Family: Roman · Role: lieutenant · First appears: The Gallic War, Book II, 1–6

In Book II of the Gallic War, Caesar left Q. Titurius Sabinus with six cohorts to guard the far side of the Aisne. In Book III, Caesar sent him with three legions among the Unelli, Curiosolitae, and Lexovii; Sabinus routed Viridovix’s forces, and the states surrendered to him.

In Book IV, Caesar entrusted Sabinus and L. Aurunculeius Cotta with leading the remaining army into the territories of the Menapii and Morini. They laid waste to Menapian lands, cut down crops, and burned houses. In Book V, Caesar appointed Sabinus and Cotta to command the force wintering among the Eburones. About fifteen days after they reached winter quarters, Ambiorix and Cativolcus revolted and attacked the Roman soldiers and camp. Ambiorix warned Sabinus and Cotta that a large German force was approaching and urged them to withdraw; after C. Arpineius and Q. Junius reported the warning, the commanders debated what to do. Cotta initially opposed departure, but “the opinion of Sabinus prevails.”

At break of day, Sabinus and Cotta’s forces left camp with a large amount of baggage. Ambiorix’s men ambushed them in a disadvantageous position. Sabinus sent his interpreter, Cn. Pompey, to ask Ambiorix to spare him and his soldiers; Ambiorix pledged that Sabinus would suffer no injury. Ordered to lay down his arms, Sabinus obeyed and told his men to do the same. While he and Ambiorix discussed terms, Sabinus was gradually surrounded and slain. The surviving soldiers, despairing of safety, all killed themselves in the night.