Category:Gabinius (subject)
Aulus Gabinius was the Roman governor of Syria, 57-54 BCE.
Overview
Gabinius was a Roman statesman and general, and a supporter of Pompey.
In 57 BCE Gabinius was appointed proconsul of Syria. On his arrival he crushed a rebellion by Aristobulus II and his son Alexander of Judea and reinstated John Hyrcanus II in the high-priesthood at Jerusalem. The young Mark Antony served in his army as the commander of a Gallic cavalry regiment and distinguished himself in important victories at Alexandrium and Machaerus. Gabinius introduced important changes in the government of Judea, and most significantly, rebuilt several towns, including the coastal cities of Raphia, Gaza, Anthedon, Azotus, and Jamnia.
In 55 BCE Gabinius was sent by Pompey to Egypt to restore Ptolemy XII to his kingdom. During Gabinius' absence Syria was devastated by robbers, and Alexander, son of Aristobulus II, took up arms again with the object of depriving his uncle and father-in-law John Hyrcanus II of the high-priesthood. With some difficulty Gabinius restored order, and in 54 BCE handed over the province to his successor, Marcus Licinius Crassus.
At Rome Gabinius had to face charges for having carried out his mission in Egypt without the consent of the Senate and was condemned to exile. However, after a few years, in 49 BCE, he was recalled to service by Julius Caesar, whom he served loyally until his death in 48/47 BCE.
Gabinius in ancient sources
- Gabinius (sources) -- survey of ancient sources
External links
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