Equitius (consul)

Equitius,^[1] or Aequitius, was magister militum (or master of soldiers) in Illyricum in the Roman Empire.

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] He was last seen in the region of Illyria in 384.

References

^ PLRE I p. 282
^ a b Lenski 2014, p. 57.
^ a b Coombs–Hoar 2015, p. 23.
^ PLRE I p. 282

Sources

Coombs–Hoar, Adrian (2015). Eagles in the Dust: The Roman Defeat at Adrianopolis AD 378. Pen and Sword. ISBN 978-1-78159-088-1.
Lenski, Noel (2014). Failure of Empire: Valens and the Roman State in the Fourth Century A.D. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-23332-4.