A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. The governor of Pannonia at the death of Augustus, A. D. 14, when the formidable insurrection of the legions broke out in that province, which was with difficulty quelled by Drusus himself. The conduct of Blaesus in allowing the soldiers relaxation from their ordinary duties was the immediate cause of the insurrection, but the real causes lay deeper. Through the influence of Sejanus, who was his uncle, Blaesus obtained the government of Africa in 21, where he gained a victory over Tacfarinas in 22, in consequence of which Tiberius granted him the insignia of a triumph, and allowed him the title of Imperator--the last instance of this honour being conferred upon a private person. We learn from Velleius Paterculus, who says that it was difficult to decide whether Blaesus was more useful in the camp or distinguished in the forum, that he also commanded in Spain. (D. C. 57.4; Tac. Ann. 1.16, &c., 3.35, 58, 72-74; Vell. 2.125.) It appears from the Fasti, from which we learn that his praenomen was Quintus, that Blaesus was consul suffectus in 28; but he shared in the fall of Sejanus in 31, and was deprived, as was

also his son, of the priestly offices which he held. His life, however, was spared for the time; but when Tiberius, in 36, conferred these offices upon other persons, Blaesus and his son perceived that their fate was sealed, and accordingly put an end to their own lives. (Tac. Ann. 5.7, 6.40.)