Vitellius and Britain

[guy]

 

After sharing on another site a story about a Vitellius aureus discovered in Britain and recently sold at auction (see the original UNRV post below), I received some pushback from the numismatic site Cointalk.com regarding Vitellius’s role in Britain. Here is my response.

 

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/vitellius-aureus-sold-at-auction.417092/

 

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Victor_Clark said: I don't see how a single coin of this short reigning Emperor reflects his influence in Britain. In fact, during his reign, Vitellius had little to no influence in or on Britain.

 

My response:

 

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Thank you for reading my post. I guess the word "influence" could be too strong.

British legionaries supported Vitellius during the Roman civil war in AD 69. Vexillations, or detachments, from the three legions stationed in Britain—Legio II Augusta, Legio IX Hispana, and Legio XX Valeria Victrix—were sent to strengthen his forces.

Aulus Vitellius (2) - Livius


The British legionaries supported Vitellius primarily due to the political dynamics of the Roman Empire during the civil war of AD 69. At that time, the governor of Britain, Marcus Trebellius Maximus, faced considerable opposition from his commanders, particularly Roscius Coelius of the 20th Legion. This internal discord undermined the governor's authority, and Trebellius ultimately fled to Vitellius in Germania.

The legions in Britain lacked an emperor candidate and became involved in a larger conflict between rival claimants. Vexillations from Britain were dispatched to support Vitellius, likely as part of the broader alignment of military forces during the Civil War.

After his victory over Otho at Bedriacum in April 69, Vitellius appointed Marcus Vettius Bolanus as the Governor of Britain.


Roman Civil War and its effect on Britain (AD68)


The maps above could reflect Vitellius's involvement in Britain's internal politics.

 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by guy