The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Vitalianus
Also known as Praefect Vitalianus
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 28
There's an unyielding quality to his presence, the way he seems to embody the very concept of duty made flesh. His bearing suggests someone who has chosen loyalty above all other considerations.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult during events
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 28
- Books
- 1
Vitalianus served as praetorian prefect under Maximin, distinguishing himself through his unwavering fidelity to the emperor's commands, no matter how cruel. His obedience extended to preventing as well as executing the emperor's mandates, making him both instrument and shield of imperial will. His loyalty ultimately proved fatal when he was executed by agents of the senate, his death marking the violent end of Maximin's regime and the dangerous price of absolute service to a fallen emperor.
Description
A middle-aged man with the rigid military bearing of someone who has spent his life in imperial service. He wears the formal robes and distinctive insignia of a praetorian prefect, his stern features marked by the expression of absolute duty. His posture is unyielding, suggesting a man who has chosen to embody the will of his emperor without question or hesitation.
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
Meet Vitalianus in Bookworm
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