Suggestions for historical characters

[pere_ubu]

The whole idea of this topic is that, since Julian's age is one of the best known periods of the Roman Empire, maybe we could make all the characters in the game (including agents) historical. I know, there are already a lot of historical figures in the game, but if we got even more? Ammianus Marcellinus, Zosimus and even Julian's writings provide us with quite a gallery of historical figures.
(Also, it's a good occasion to do some reading on the Late Roman Empire)

[pere_ubu]

Since ithis was my idea, I will begin:

Julian - maybe he should be bad with taxes. Also (if it possible), I think he should be christian in the beginning and become pagan only when he starts the war against Constantius.
I will back this ideal with a quote from a recent book on the Later Roman Empire:
"Throughout his time in Gaul he concealed his inner beliefs and continued to attend Christian services with every outward sign of enthusiasm. When the civil war began he slowly pulled down the facade, invoking the old gods when he wrote to Athens and other cities to bid for their support. However, it was only after Constantius was dead that he openly rejected Christianity and began publicly to stage animal sacrifices and other rituals. Until this point he had been careful not to alienate any potential Christian suporters. Julian’s victory proved to him the power of King Helios in raising him from virtual prisoner to sole emperor in only a few years, just as decades earlier Constantine’s continued successes had convinced him to become a Christian." (Adrian Goldsworthy, How Rome Fell, Yale University Press, 2009)

Nevitta - starts under Barbatio as a cavalry commander, becomes magister equitum per Gallias only in 361, afterwards magister armorum and consul. Of germanic origin (probably frankish), "uncultivated, somewhat boorish, and (what was more intolerable) cruel" (Ammianus).
He should be a cavalry commander, with maybe 3 stars of command, high loyalty, no administrative skill at all and 1 or 2 influence. Also, pagan, Barbarian turncoat and Beastmaster (if it still exists).
In 355 he should alongside Barbatio, in 361 - alongside Julian.
His bodyguard unit should be made of Equites Auxilia.

Arintheus - from the eastern part of the empire, commander of heavy armed bodyguards (cavalry, I presume), fight alongside Constantius in 355 in Raetia against the Alammans (so he starts in Augusta Vindelicorum). In 361 he should still be in Raetia.
Christian, 2 stars of command, high loyalty to Constantius, not so high to Julian in 361, high morale for his units , no admin or influence.
Bodyguard unit - Schola armaturarum seniorum (at least, that's what I understood from Ammianus)

Dagalaifus - germanic, comes domesticorum in 361, commander of the rearguard in the persian campaign, put in charge of the mines. In 355 he can be in Gaul near the Rhine; in 361, he should be with Julian.
Pagan, engineer (or whatever it's called - the one good at sieges & mining), 3 stars or 4 in 361 (he later became the most important general in the army), turncoat barbarian, no administrative skills, high loyalty, 1 influence.
Bodyguard - numerii or milites in 355, domestici (either foot or horse) in 361.

Salutius Secundus - gallo-roman, begins as Julian's questor in Gaul, in 361 he is the pretorian prefect for the East. I really believe he should be the starting faction heir in both campaigns, since after Julian's death he was the first choice for emperor.
He is old and quite ill, a pagan,, no general stars, 6 administrative stars, high loyalty, 5 influence. In 355 he was in Aquitaine, in 361 in Chalcedon.
Bodyguard - milites?

Numerius - gallo-roman, probably from the same family as the emperor Numerian, governor of Narbo in 355, pagan, corrupt, no loyalty, 4 influence (I know, he was corrupt, but he was a member of the local aristocracy, so he was influent in his homeland). Bodyguard - milites. He doesn't show up in 361.

Aprunculus - gallo-roman, governor of Narbo in 361, pagan, soothsayer (he even predicted Julian's death), 2 admin, decent loyalty, 3 influence. Bodyguard - milites.

Iulius Athenaeus - gallo-roman, can be governor of Arelate in 355, 2 admin, 2-3 influence (we know he restored the forum in Arles). Pagan. Bodyguard - milites.

Saturninus of Arelate - archbishop of Arelate, primate of the Gauls, in Arelate in 355, arian, disloyal to Julian. He should be in the game, maybe as a governor with very bad skills, but with a very high arian conversion rate (since alrdeay in the IVth century bishops were getting more and more involved in the administration of the civitas, it's not absurd to make him a governor). The whole idea is that Saturninus caused a lot of trouble by rejecting the Nicean orthodoxy and spreading arianism in southern Gaul (backed by Constantius, by the way). He could also act as a spy for Constantius, but then he won't be able to spread arianism.

Hilary of Poitiers - christian bishop and Saturninus' main opponent. In 356 he was banished by Saturninus to Phrygia. Later, he was restored by Julian. He can be one of Julian's diplomats. In Gaul in 355 (or in Asia Minor, if you prefer) and 361.

[julianus heraclius]

Good work. I'd be interested to hear what other people have to say.

[Gen.jamesWolfe]

Good work. I'd be interested to hear what other people have to say.

I agree with the OP-good names.

[Valentinian Victor]

The whole idea of this topic is that, since Julian's age is one of the best known periods of the Roman Empire, maybe we could make all the characters in the game (including agents) historical. I know, there are already a lot of historical figures in the game, but if we got even more? Ammianus Marcellinus, Zosimus and even Julian's writings provide us with quite a gallery of historical figures.
(Also, it's a good occasion to do some reading on the Late Roman Empire)

I suppose it would be rather crass of me to suggest all of the names could be found in the 'Proseprography of the Later Roman Empire', but, I fully understand that those collection of books are probably out of the price range of the vast majority of those who inhabit this site.

My favourites at this time are-

Victor, a Sarmartian who became Master of the Horse under Valens.
Richomeres, a Frank who became Master of the Horse under Gratian during Valens reign.
Trajanus, a Roman who had a long and distinguished career who died at Adrianopolis.
Sebastinanus- A high ranking Roman who led a daring raid against the Goth's with a group of picked troops that preceeded the battle of Adrianopolis.
Barbatio, a Roman army commander who was not highly reguarded.
Arbetio, another Roman army commander who refused to supply reinforcements to Julian.

[pere_ubu]

I suppose it would be rather crass of me to suggest all of the names could be found in the 'Proseprography of the Later Roman Empire', but, I fully understand that those collection of books are probably out of the price range of the vast majority of those who inhabit this site.

My favourites at this time are-

Victor, a Sarmartian who became Master of the Horse under Valens.
Richomeres, a Frank who became Master of the Horse under Gratian during Valens reign.
Trajanus, a Roman who had a long and distinguished career who died at Adrianopolis.
Sebastinanus- A high ranking Roman who led a daring raid against the Goth's with a group of picked troops that preceeded the battle of Adrianopolis.
Barbatio, a Roman army commander who was not highly reguarded.
Arbetio, another Roman army commander who refused to supply reinforcements to Julian.

I know about PLRE, but it's somewhere 'round 1000$, so I don't think I will buy it right now... Volumes II and III can be found partially on Google Books, but they're beyond the time range of this campaign.

[pere_ubu]

An update with some minor characters for Julian's and Constantius' empire:

JULIAN's empire

Hariobaudes - german tribune, used by Julian as a spy - he should be near Vicus Alemanni in 355, 3-4 subterfuge.

Ulpius Mariscianus - governor of Numidia in 361, named by Julian, high loyalty

Romanus - military commander in Tripolitania, in Leptis Magna in 361, very corrupt, no administration or influence points, disloyal, bodyguard - equites promotii

Delphidius - pagan rhetor, he accuses Numerius of corruption; in Burdigala (both 355 and 361); can be a diplomat or a spy for Julian.

Libanius - pagan rhetor, in Antiochia in 361 - can be a good diplomat (4-5 influence) in the 361 campaign.

Consius Quartus - proconsul in North Africa, former governor in Italy; probably pagan. 3 influence (he was quite influential, from a well-connected family). Bodyguard - milites.

Aradius Rufinus - comes orientis in 363, in 361 he was probably in Rome. Should be influential and loyal (good family with a history of imperial service)

Clearchus - an influential figure during Constantius' last years and Julian's reign, he was Vicarius Asiae, but didn't get along with Salutius. Could be a mediocre diplomat.

Oribasius - Julian's personal physician, encouraged him to become emperor. He could be a spy for Julian.

Sintula - "tribunus stabuli", in charge of Julian's stables, in charge of picking the best men out of the army and leading them to the east. Sintula should be a 1 star general, maybe cavalry commander, not too loyal, 1 influence. Bodyguard - Equites Scutarii.

Charietto - germanic, an expert in ambushes against his former compatriots. He should be a pagan general in Augusta Treverorum in 355, 3 stars, night fighter, good at ambushes, Barbarian turncoat. Bodyguard - numerii.

Proclianus - proconsul in North Africa in 360, after Consus Quartius. I don't know anything else about him, but he's good if you need a historical name for a governor in North Africa.

Candidianus - governor in Pontus in 361; pagan (but tolerant to christians), 3 administration (he was in charge of supplying the army, so we can suppose he was a good administrator), 3 influence; also, an educated men.

Volusius Venustus - A noble from a family with a history of imperial service, he is appointed by Julian vicar of Spain in 361. Pagan, governor, probably very young, no general stars, 2 admin, 3 influence.

Aurelius Victor - a historian, appreciated by Julian and promoted to governor of Pannonia Secunda. Pagan, no stars, 2 administration, 1 influence, loyal, in Pannonia in 361. Bodyguard - milites.

Victor - a commander with later became magister equitum. He was a comes during the persian campaign or even a magister peditum. He might have been Sarmatian and not a very good cavalry commander, but he saved the remainder of the army at Adrianople, so he wasn't so bad either. In 361 he is in Antioch. Christian, barbarian turncoat, 4-5 stars, no administration or influence, decent loyalty. He also could have reduced movement and morale (Ammianus cals him a "delayer").

Flavius Theodosius - the father of the emperor, known also as "comes Theodosius" or "Theodosius the elder", he was a notable figure froms Spain. He could be a general in 355 in Italica and also in 361. Christian, 5 stars, 1 administration, 2 influence, loyal. He's not mentioned in Julian's time, but he should've been in his 30's in 355 and it's hard to believe in 368 he received the important mission of freeing Britain from the invading barbarians without previously having held a position of power. Also, it's fun having him in the game...

CONSTANTIUS's empire

Strategius Musonianus - praetorian prefect of the East in 355, a self-made man well regarded by Constantius despite him being very corrupt; he should have no stars, no administration, low loyalty but 2 or 3 influence (he was known to get along with all religions because he spoke many languages). Christian. Bodyguard - milites.

Flavius Eusebius - brother in law of the emperor Constantius, governor of Bithynia in 355 (in 361 he had retired from active life). Christian, no general stars, 1 admin, 1 influence, very loyal.

Arbitio - Constantius' Magister Equitum and consul, he started as a common soldier and raised through the ranks. In 355 he is in Aquileia. 4-5 stars general, unloyal, corrupt, no administration skills, 1 influence. In 361 he presided the Court of Chalcedon, so he should be there. Bodyguard - equites stablesiani

Lollianus Mavortius - praetorian prefect in 355, holds court in Serdica (?), pagan, loyal, 2 administration, 3 influence

Rufinus - princeps oficii for Mavortius in 355, he accuses a lot of innocent people. He could be an assasin.

Prosper - former deputy of Ursicinus, "coward and avaricious" (Ammianus) in 355 he should be in Mesopotamia, used as a diplomat (but with low influence).

Araxius - proconsul of Constantinople in 355, he also served Procopius. I don't know anything else about him, but he was an important figure.

Procopius - later emperor, in 355 he was almost 30 years old and should be a diplomat/spy for Constantius.

Datianus - Comes and consul for Constantius, a man of humble origins, he became the emperor's main advisor. In Antiochia in 355, I think he should have 4 or 5 administration and high loyalty but no military or influence skills. Should have costs reduced on building (he built baths and gardens in Antiochia). Bodyguard - milites.

Vulcacius Rufinus - former praetorian prefect of Italy then of Gaul (until 354), pagan, connected to the imperial family. He lost Constatius' trust because he was the maternal uncle of Gallus and his career came to a temporary halt, so I'm not sure if he is to be in Constantius' or Julian's camp. He should be a family member, no general stars, 2-3 loyalty but 4 administration and 5 influence. Bodyguard - equites stablesiani.

Flavius Taurus - from a humble family of the East, christian, praetorian prefect of Italy, hostile to Julian but appreciated by the Senate. No general stars, very loyal to Constantius, 2 administration, 4 influence.

Memmius Orfitus - prefect of Rome in 355, from an old aristocratic family, related to the imperial family. Family member with no general stars, high loyalty, corrupt, 1 administration, 2 influence, very uncultured, pagan.

Pentadius - the assasin of Gallus. Nominated magister officiorum to Julian, he proves to be a spy for Constantius. So, he can be a spy also in the game, or even an assasin with low subterfuge.

Paulus Catena - Paul "the Chain", the most famous subversive agent of Constantius. Assasin with high subterfuge skill. In 355 he is in Gaul.

Nebridius - comes in the East in 355-359, in 355 he should be in Isauria, later promoted as praetorian prefect in Gaul where he proves to be disloyal to Julian. General with 1-2 stars, very loyal (to Constantius), 1 administration, 1 influence. Bodyguard - equites scutarii.

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

A very impressive list!

[pere_ubu]

A very impressive list!

Thank you, there's more to come (I didn't study enough major figures like Florentius, Urisicinus, Barbatio and so on, so, as you may see, they are missing from the list). Unfortunately, although historical sources provide us with a lot of characters, they are usually focused on those who were close to the emperors, so it's quite hard to find historical governors and generals for North Africa, Britain, Spain for this specific timeframe...

[Julianus Flavius]

Perhaps Julian's physician could be an ancillary for Julian? Increase his hit points or something? Also, the Tribune that was a spy, I thought Tribunes were attached to the Roman Army as generals?

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

Tribunes were also seconded from the Domestic Protectors as being vacans and given staff roles and special assignments - all part of their training for command.

[pere_ubu]

Tribunes were also seconded from the Domestic Protectors as being vacans and given staff roles and special assignments - all part of their training for command.

Yeap. Hariobaudes was a tribunus vacans, according to Ammianus.

Perhaps Julian's physician could be an ancillary for Julian? Increase his hit points or something?

]

Of course, it'a very good idea. I mentioned him because I wanted to have as many historical characters as possible, so if there aren't enough spies or diplomats, I think it would be nicer to make him an agent than an ancillary.

[Valentinian Victor]

One person who should definately be considered as a candidate as an agent or assassin would be Paulus 'The Chain', mentioned in the first couple of books in Ammianus. A more vile and despicable man I would not care to meet!

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

Yes, burned alive, wasn't he, I think as payback for all his crimes!

[pere_ubu]

I've just got my hand on the first volume of the Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, which covers Julian's age. Are you interested into some other suggestions for historical characters - mainly names for minor characters, like regional governors and so on? I know it's not the focus of this mod, I'm just asking.

[Valentinian Victor]

I've just got my hand on the first volume of the Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire, which covers Julian's age. Are you interested into some other suggestions for historical characters - mainly names for minor characters, like regional governors and so on? I know it's not the focus of this mod, I'm just asking.

I managed to pick up all the volumes of the 'Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire' for £150, yes, that is right, only £150, and they were brand new (managed to get them from Oxbow in a sale). I saved over £500!!!

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

Now I am jealous! May I ask what it says about Victor?

[pere_ubu]

Now I am jealous! May I ask what it says about Victor?

VICTOR

He was a Sarmatian Amm. XXXI 12. 6.
He served under Constantius II Amm. xxv 5.2 (cited below).
?COMES REI MILITARIS a. 362-3: appointed by Julian to march his army from Constantinople to Antioch in 362 together with Hormisdas. On the Persian expedition in 363 he commanded the rearguard with Dagalaifus and was present at various actions Amm. XXIV 4. 13 (Victor nomine dux). The use of 'dux' by Ammianus here is not technical.
After Julian's death, 'discissique studiis turbulentis Arintheus et Victor et e palatio Constanti residui de parte sua quendam habilem scrutabantur; contra Nevitta et Dagalaifus proceresque Gallorumvirum talem ex commilitio suo quaeritabant' Amm. xxv 5· 2. According to Zos. III 13.3 Julian appears to have made him magister peditum, but Ammianus states that it was Jovian who promoted him Amm. XXVI 5. 2 (et Valentiniano quidem, cuius arbitrio res gerebatur, Iovinus evenit, dudum promotus a Iuliano per Gallias magister armorum, et Dagalaifus, quem militiae rectorem provexerat Iovianus: in orientem vero secuturus Valentem ordinatus est Victor, ipse quoque iudicio principis ante dicti provectus, cui iunctus est Arinthaeus), while Hormisdas and Arinthaeus were certainly not magistri equitum.
MAGISTER EQVITVM (East) a. 363-c. 379: promoted by Jovian, he continued to serve under Valens; Valens sent him in 366/7 to demand satisfaction from the Goths who had supported the usurper Procopius Amm. XXVII 5. 1-2 (Victor magister equitum), and in 369 with Arinthaeus to negotiate terms with the Goths after the war Amm. XXVII 5. 9 missique Victor et Arinthaeus qui tunc equestrem (curabant militiam et pedestrem). In 369 he held the consulship. In 377 Valens sent him with Vrbicius to Persia to negotiate over Armenia Amm. xxx 2. 4-5 (Victorem magistrum equitum et Vrbicium Mesopotamiae dueem ire propere iussit in Persas), XXXI 7. I (Victore magistro equitum misso ad Persas) (these negotiations were interrupted by the danger in Thrace in 378). He protested before the campaign of Adrianople that Valens was alienating God's favour by persecuting the Catholics and advised Valens before the battle to await reinforcements from Gratian Amm. XXXI 12. 6 (magister equitum). During the battle he tried in vain to rescue Valens, and managed to withdraw his own troops intact Amm. XXXI 13. 9 (Victor nomine comes). After the battle he rode through Macedonia, Thessaly and Moesia to Pannonia to carry the news to Gratian.
He visited Libanius when he was ill.
CONSVL posterior a. 369 with Valentinianus Galates.
He was at Constantinople a. 380/1, but he had now retired ; possibly he visited Antioch after 380. He is described as 'cunctator et cautus' Amm. XXXI 12.6. He married the daughter of Mavia (a Christian Saracen queen). He was a zealous Catholic. He owned property at Psamathea, a suburb of Constantinople.

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

Thank you - that is a lot of useful information and exactly what I was looking for. +rep!

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

Wow! thats like almost 200 bucks here. (I think a pound is 1.25 US Dollars)