Imperial General: The Remarkable Career of Petellius Cerialis

by Philip Matyszak

Petilius Cerealis is one of the few Imperial Roman officers, below the level of Emperor, whose career it is possible to follow in sufficient detail to write a coherent biography. Fortunately his career was a remarkably eventful and colorful one. With a knack for being caught up in big events and emerging unscathed despite some hairy adventures (and scandal, usually involving some local wench) he appears to have been a Roman version of Blackadder and Flashman combined.

Cerealis was in Britain when Boudicca's revolt erupted (60 or 61 AD) and marched to confront her. He lost most of his force but narrowly escaped with his own skin intact. In 69 AD, the infamously tumultuous 'year of the four emperors', he was in Rome, the seat of conspiracy. When his uncle, none other than Vespasian, decided to make his own bid for the imperial purple (he was to become the fourth emperor that year), Cerealis was in danger of losing his life as a traitor and had to escape from the city to join his uncle who was marching to force his way in. A short while later he was commanding a force on the Rhine when the Batavian mutiny broke out. This time he only escaped death because he was in bed with a local girl rather than in his own tent. And so it goes on...

'Imperial General is both a fascinating insight into the life of an imperial Roman officer during the period of the Principate, and a rollicking good tale told in Philip Matyszak's trademark lively style.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Military History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Philip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.

Reviews

[Sud666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for a historian or a military historian. The layperson may find Matyszak's writing style to be dry. But if you appreciate detailed history and a look at the tactics used, then this is a very good book.

Not only does this cover the tumultuous years of Roman history with the death of the Emperor Nero and another round of Civil ars which would result in the Emperoriship of Vespasian, but it look at the career of a most underrated general-Quintus Petillius Cerialis Caesius Rufus, also known as Petellius Cerialis.

Cerialis had an interesting career. From serving in Britain during the Boudician Rebellion to being held as a hostage by Emperor Vitellius, during the Year of the Four Emperors. Cerialis escaped, dressed as a peasant, and joined the Flavian side of the civil wars. In command of the XIV Gemania Legion, Cerialis also participated in the Batavian Rebellion. This resulted in his first consulship, granted by Emperor Vespasian, and he also became a governor of Britain and campaigned against the Brigantes of north England.

While a bit dry for the layperson, there is a wealth of information for those interested in Roman history, especially during this time of the rise of the Flavian dynasty, or those with an interest in military history as the battles and tactics are superbly described.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely readable history of the Roman Empire. The writing style is fluid, the facts as known made easy for the layman (like me) to read and absorb. It clarified many details for me, notably the period of the many emperors around A.D.69. I had hoped to glean more about Cerialis himself, read many pages before even reaching the description of his career path, but realise that sources as very scant.

[Wilmington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Matyszak is one of the very best writers of ancient history out there and this book does not disappoint. The only issue, as other reviewers have already pointed out, is that the title is misleading as only the last quarter of the book is really about Petellius Cerialis. The author starts reviewing the legacy of Late Republican generals from Marius and Sulla, then of early Imperial generals like Germanicus and Tiberius. The central and most developed part of the book is really about years 69 and 70 CE, i.e. the end of Nero's reign, the Year of the Four Emperors. Petellius Cerialis shows up during the time of Julius Civilis' Batavian revolt (69-70 CE) and the campaign against the Brigantes in what is now northern England (70-71 CE). So the book might as well have a title like "The post-Neronian chaos of 69-71 CE".

[Inés Chamarro · Rating 3 out of 5]

hadn't laughed aloud like this with a Roman History book for a long time. It detracts a bit from the seriousness of the topic but the book reads like a novel. The poor man's career is a hair-raising adventure, especially in his youth. Interesting, and there are some more data than I thought.

[Anibal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year of the 4 emperors, the Batavian revolt or Roman generals would all be better suited titles for this work. Only a relatively small part of the book is actually dedicated to “the remarkable career of Petellius Cerialis”.

Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed reading this book. A lot! It is really well written and the author uses all the available resources on this roman general of the first century. The problem is that there are very few sources to document the life of this remarkable character.

You’ll find an evolution of what it meant to be a general in Rome. Not only in the Imperial period but also during the Republic. This comparison is useful to understand the fear that some emperors felt regarding their generals’ popularity, and also the differences in the decision process that generals in those periods had (or lacked).

The first time Cerealis is mentioned is during the revolt of Boudica. He already had the impulsive nature, charging against hideous odds…and in this situation failing miserably. Then comes the largest part of the book: The year of the 4 emperors when our hero spent most of the time…hidden. Let’s be honest, the fact that he was able to evade from Rome and then try the attempted rescue of Vespasian family shows that he was able, foolhardy and very brave…but again, he failed and his prestation in this war was minute.

The Cerealis’ greatest achievement was without any doubt is magnificent work in the Batavian revolt led by Civilis. And that’s the reason why the author delved so deeply in the year of the 4 emperors; it’s impossible to understand this revolt without the adequate framework.

The romantic escapades of this charismatic general also gave him immortal fame (especially during the surprise attacks, when he was literally caught without pants…sorry...tunic, but even so always escaping from serious situations). They are obviously detailed in this book, integrated in the larger context of the revolt and how perilous the situation was due to the fact that most legions at his command were former enemies. Diplomacy and competence led to a successful campaign with many ups and downs, but with the eventual pacification of Batavia and the re-integration of those valuable warriors into the Roman army…and launching Petellius Cerealis to fame and the history books.

Highly recommended.

[Barbara Lennox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inevitably, given how little information is available, this book isn't entirely about Petellius Cerialis, but it was fascinating, nevertheless. There is a great deal about the role and dangers of being a popular general in the Rome Empire from the times of the republic onwards, all of which puts the life and exploits of Cerialis into context. I'd like to have known more about his governorship of Britain and how the province was left when he returned to Rome, but I guess there aren't many facts to go on. Written in an entertaining style, this was a very interesting read.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy to read history