Category:Varus (subject)

Publius Quinctilius Varus was a Roman general and governor of Syria.

Biography

Publius Quinctilius Varus was an influential Roman politician and general at the time of Emperor Augustus. After serving as governor in Africa and Syria, he came back to Rome and was then appointed governor of Germania. In 9 CE, in a failed attempt to subdue some German tribes, he suffered a devastating defeat in the battle of the Teutoburg Forest and committed suicide.

Varus and the Jews

When governor in Syria, Varus was known for his harsh rule. In 4 BCE he mercilessly suppressed a rebellion in Judea following the death of Herod the Great. Josephus, who compared Varus' invasion to Antiochus Epiphanes' and Pompey's, says that on that occasion Varus crucified more than 2,000 rebels. His cruelty created lasting popular resentment.

Varus in ancient sources

Josephus, Jewish War

Josephus, Jewish Antiquities

Josephus, Against Apion

Ap I 34 -- ...Antiochus Epiphanes made an invasion upon our country, as also Pompey the Great and Quintilius Varo did...

Varus in Scholarship

Varus in Fiction

Related categories

External links

• Wikipedia