Tenagino Probus
Roman soldier and governor of Egypt (died 270) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tenagino Probus was a Roman soldier and procuratorial official whose career reached its peak at the end of the sixth decade of the third century AD (c. 255–260). A poverty of primary sources means that nothing is known for certain of his origins or early career. However, in later years he served successively as Praeses (governor) of the province of Numidia (i.e. Praeses Numidiae) and of Egypt, (i.e. Praefectus Aegypti). These were both very senior procuratorial offices, the latter in particular traditionally considered one of the pinnacles of an equestrian career. In these roles he exercised military skills in addition to administrative ones; as Praefectus Aegypti he led military operations outside his province. He died resisting the invasion of Egypt by the forces of Zenobia of Palmyra in the troubled interregnum between Emperors Claudius II and Aurelian.
Vir Perfectissimus Tenagino Probus | |
---|---|
Born | Northeast Italy (?) |
Died | end 270 AD |
Cause of death | Suicide after defeat in siege of Babylon Fortress |
Nationality | Roman |
Citizenship | Roman |
Occupation(s) | Soldier (general officer): Equestrian governor of Numidia and then Egypt |
Employer | Emperors Gallienus & Claudius II |
Known for | Campaigns in Africa Proconsularis (?) and the Eastern Mediterranean and resistance to takeover of Egypt by Palmyrene queen Zenobia |
Opponent | Septiminus Zabdas |
Despite the limited availability of information about Probus,[lower-alpha 1] the fact that he was: (i) entrusted with the government of two of the Empire's most economically and strategically significant provinces; and (ii) given important military command outside his province (at least during his time as Praefectus Aegypti) indicates that he had the reputation of a highly competent Imperial functionary. His known appointments suggest that both Emperor Gallienus and Gallienus's successor, Claudius II, held him in high regard. Probus was likely among the relatively small group of professional soldiers who benefited from the opening up of provincial governorships and senior military commands, which were previously reserved for senators.