A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

5. C. JULIUS ERUCIUS CLARUS, probably the son of No. 4, was consul in A. D. 193, with Q. Sosius Falco. The emperor Commodus had determined to murder both consuls, as they entered upon their office on the st of January, but he was himself assassinated on the preceding day. (D. C. 67.22; Capitol. Pertin. 15.) After the death of Niger, who had been one of the claimants to the vacant throne, Severus wished Clarus to turn informer, and accuse persons falsely of having assisted Niger, partly with the view of destroying the character of Clarus, and partly that the wellknown integrity of Clarus might give an appearance of justice to the unjust judgments that might be pronounced. But as Clarus refused to discharge this disgraceful office, he was put to death by Severus. (D. C. 74.9; Spartian. Sever. 13.)