A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Παρθένιος), the chief chamberlain (cubiculo praepositus) of Domitian, took an active part in the conspiracy by which that emperor perished, A. D. 96. After the death of the tyrant he persuaded Nerva to accept the crown, but was himself killed shortly afterwards by the soldiers, together with the other conspirators against Domitian, whom Nerva had not the courage to protect. The soldiers cut off the genitalia of Parthenius, threw them in his face, and then strangled him. (D. C. 67.15, 17; Suet. Dom. 16; Aurel. Vict. Epit. 11, 12; Eutrop. 8.1; Mart. 4.78, 11.1.)