The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Avitus
Also known as Emperor Avitus
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 155
Avitus presents the complex portrait of a man caught between worlds—noble enough for imperial purple yet drawn to the quiet pleasures of his villa by the lake. His eyes hold the weight of someone who has commanded armies and now seeks simpler satisfactions.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Middle-aged to elderly
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 155
- Books
- 1
Avitus came from a wealthy and honorable family in Auvergne, serving as a soldier under Aetius before rising to become Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. After his imperial career, he retired to his villa at Clermont, complete with its own lake and cascades, where he indulged in the luxuries of Italian life. His later years were marked by accusations regarding his personal conduct, and he eventually transitioned from emperor to bishop before his death.
Description
Avitus carries the refined appearance of a Gallic nobleman who has known both military service and aristocratic leisure. His features are distinguished, marked by the dignity of his station and the experience of command. He dresses in the manner befitting his status—well-made garments that speak to both his military background and his noble birth, with the careful grooming expected of a man of his position and education.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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