A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

2. C.SentiusSaturninus, was one of the persons of distinguished rank who deserted Sex. Pompeius in B. C. 35, and passed over to Octavian (Vell. 2.77; Appian, App. BC 5.139, comp. 5.52). He is no doubt the same as the Sentius Saturninus Vetulio, who was proscribed by the triumvirs in B. C. 43, and escaped to Pompeius in Sicily (V. Max. 7.3.9). The circumstances, however, which Valerius Maximus relates respecting his escape, are told by Appian (App. BC 4.45), with reference to one Pomponius. [ POMPONIUS, No. 14.] Saturninus was rewarded for his desertion of Pompeius by the consulship, which he held in B. C. 19, with Q. Lucretius Vespillo. Velleius Paterculus celebrates his praises for the manner in which he carried on the government during his consulship, and for his opposition to the seditious schemes of Egnatius Rufus. [RUFUS, EGNATIUS, No. 2.] After his consulship he was appointed to the government of Syria, in connection with which he is frequently mentioned by Josephus. He was succeeded in the government by Quintilius Varus (D. C. 54.10; Frontin. de Aquaed. 10 ; Vell. 2.92 ; J. AJ 16.10.8, 16.11.3, 17.1.1, 17.3.2, 17.5.2, B. J. 1.27.2). Josephus J. AJ 16.11.3) speaks of three sons of Saturninus, who accompanied him as legati to Syria, and who were present with their father at the trial of Herod's sons at Berytus in B. C. 6.