The Praetorian Metilius Pudens and the Civil War in Rome

Abstract

This paper is concerned with a dedicatory stele of some Metilius Pudens, named a warrior of the XIX praetorian cohort in its text. According to paleographic features, it is dated to the second half of the first century A. D. The inscription was published only in 1995, but has not attracted wide attention of researchers yet. The role of Pudens in the events of 69 is unknown due to the scanty content of the stele. The article proves that Pudens could only serve in the guard of Julii-Claudii and during the civil war fought first on the side of Otho. Then, like many former Othonians, he supported the party of Vespasian and was eventually enrolled in his praetorium, which could comprise 20 000 people. The article presents information about the conditions of service and resignation of Metilius Pudens, and describes the organization of the new guard, consisting of soldiers of the Flavian legions, former praetorians of Otho and legionaries of Vitellius. The long duration of Metilius Pudent’s service was due to the need to maintain a group balance in the Flavian guard. Taking into account the large proportion of former Vitellian soldiers in the new corps, the new administration pursued a cautious demobilization policy in order to break mutual responsibility and prevent a repeat of the situation with the Praetorians of Otho, who, having been dismissed by Vitellius, came out in support of Vespasian. Since the Othonians were absolutely loyal to the new authorities in gratitude for the possibility of rehabilitation after the humiliation by Vitellius in April 69, they were seen as a counterweight to the Vitellians.