Rubellius Plautus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gaius Rubellius Plautus (33–62 AD), through his mother Julia, was a relative to the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Plautus' father was Gaius Rubellius Blandus. Blandus' family originated from the Tiber and were of the Equestrian Class.
His father died in 38 AD. Between 43 and 45 AD, Julia came an innocent victim to the intrigues of Empress Messalina. One possibility is that Plautus was seen as a rival to her son Britannicus. Roman Emperor Claudius (who was notably husband to Messalina, father to Brittanicus, and maternal uncle to Julia) did not secure any legal defense for his niece. Consequently Julia was executed. However Julia was considered to be a virtuous person by those who knew her.
Plautus married Antistia Pollitta, daughter to Lucius Antistius Vetus. His father-in-law served as Consul in 55, Legatus of Germania Superior in 55-56, Proconsul of Asia in 64 - 65. Plautus is considered a loving husband and father. The names of his children however are not known.
During 60, probably in fear of his second cousin and current Augustus Nero, Plautus retired from public life and went to his family estates in Asia with his family.
In 62 AD Plautus was executed by Nero. When his head was given to Nero by a freedman, Nero mocked how frightening the long nose of Plautus was.
In 66 AD his wife, children and father-in-law were executed. Being victims to the increasing brutality of Nero.
Plautus was reportedly old fashioned in tastes, his bearing austere and lived a secluded life. He was respected much by his peers.
