'Gaius' or 'Lucius Fulvius Plautianus' (? -
22 January 205) was a
Roman who lived in the
2nd century and
3rd century. Plautianus was a member of
gens Fulvius, a family of
plebs status and the family were active in politics since the
Roman Republic.
Plautianus was originally from
Leptis Magna, southeast of
Carthage (modern
Libya,
North Africa). He was of Roman descent, but was born and raised in
Africa. He was a maternal cousin and long time friend of Roman Emperor Lucius
Septimius Severus. His paternal grandfather was Fulvius Pius and paternal aunt was Fulvia Pia (Severus' mother).
Plautianus was appointed commander of the
Praetorian Guard in
197. Due to their friendship, Severus rewarded Plautianus with various honors including a consular insigina, a seat in the Roman senate and the consulship of
203. During his consulship, Plautianus’ image was minted on coins along with Severus’ second son
Publius Septimius Geta.
He assisted Severus in administering the empire and through Severus’ influence, he became very wealthy, powerful and Severus made him, his second in command. Plautianus in
202, married his daughter Publia
Fulvia Plautilla to
Caracalla (Severus’ first son) in
Rome. Plautianus became so powerful, Roman Empress
Julia Domna and Caracalla, began to be concerned.
Caracalla began to threaten him with death threats. Plautianus discovered, that his daughter and Caracalla, had an unhappy marriage. Caracalla disliked him and his daughter. When Plautianus discovered this, he began to plot to overthrow Severus' family.
Plautianus’ treachery was discovered, the imperial family summoned him to the palace and ordered his death on 22 January
205. After his death, Plautianus’ property was confiscated, his son of the same name, daughter and granddaughter were exiled to
Sicily and then later to
Lipari and his name was erased from public monuments. His son, daughter and granddaughter were strangled on Caracalla’s orders in early
212.
Sources:
★ http://www.ancientlibrary.com/smith-bio/2739.html
★ http://dadcoins.blogspot.com/
★ http://www.trajancoins.com/plautilla.htm
★ http://www.livius.org/on-oz/opellius/macrinus.html