A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

praefectus praetorii under the emperor M. Aurelius, was raised to this dignity on account of his virtues, though he had received no education in consequence of his rustic origin. (D. C. 71.5.) He is alluded to in a letter of Avidius Cassius, preserved by Vulcatius Gallicanus ("audisti praefectum praetorii nostri philosophi, ante triduum quam fieret, mendicum et pauperem, sed subito divitem factum," 100.14). The name of Bassaeus Rufus occurs in inscriptions. (See Reimarus, ad Dion. Cass. 71.3.25, p. 1179.)