Vitellius the Elder
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Vitellius the Elder (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Vitellius the Elder (subject)
Lucius Vitellius the Elder was the Roman Governor of Syria, 35-39 CE, under Tiberius and Caligula.
Overview
Lucius Vitellius was a member of a distinguished Roman family. He held important political positions under three Emperors, Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius
In 35 CE Tiberius appointed Lucius Vitellius Governor of Syria to succeed Lucius Pomponius Flaccus.
At that time Pontius Pilate (15-36) was the Roman Governor of Judea. In 36, after complaints from the Samaritan Council, Vitellius deposed Pilate for the way he had mishandle the crisis caused by the Samaritan Prophet. Vitellius put "his friend" Marcellus (36-37) temporarily in charge of the govern of Judea, until Caligula provided to send Marullus (37-41) as the new governor.
Lucius Vitellius continued to serve as governor of Syria under Caligula, whom he supported, until he was succeeded by Publius Petronius in 39 CE.
A highly influential politician in Rome under Caligula and Claudius, Lucius Vitellius died in 51 CE.