Marcus Statius Priscus


Marcus Statius Priscus Licinius Italicus was a Roman politician and general active during the reigns of Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. Contemporary sources refer to him as Marcus Statius Priscus or simply Statius Priscus.
His career began as an equestrian officer, receiving a decoration from Hadrian during the Jewish rebellion. Priscus then served as procurator in Southern Gaul before being made a senator and commanding two legions in succession.
He was governor of Dacia between 157 and 158 and held the consulship in 159. In 160 he was made curator alvei Tiberis et cloacarum urbis. In 161 he governed Moesia Superior and became governor of Britain immediately afterwards, serving until perhaps as late as the mid-160s.
Such a rapid career progression indicates a man of ability and an especial strength in running prestigious but troublesome provinces.
Priscus was made governor of Cappadocia by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus after the death of Marcus Sedatius Severianus in a campaign against Vologases IV in 163. The forces of Statius Priscus, made up of Eastern auxiliaries and several legions transferred from the Rhine and the Danube, quickly crushed the Parthians and destroyed the town of Artaxata. Priscus then installed Sohaemus, who was under the protection of Rome, on the Armenian throne, and rebuilt the city of Valarshapat.
According to Cassius Dio, when Avidius Cassius was declared emperor by his legions it was Priscus who informed Emperor Aurelius. Cassius declared himself emperor at the behest of Aurelius' wife who convinced Cassius and his legions that the emperor had died. Aurelius quickly defeated Cassius and installed Priscus as governor of Syria.