Equitius (consul)

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

Equitius
Born	Pannonia
Allegiance	Roman Empire
Rank	Magister militum

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

1. PLRE I p. 282
2. Lenski 2014, p. 57.
3. Coombs–Hoar 2015, p. 23.
4. 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.

Preceded by Valentinian (I) Augustus IV Valens Augustus IV

Roman consul 374 with Gratian Augustus

Succeeded by Valens Augustus V Valentinian (II) Augustus in 376