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.)