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

1. P.ScapulaOstorius, succeeded A. Plautius as governor of Britain, about A. D. 50, with the title of propraetor. He had previously held the consulship, and his name is inserted in some of the Fasti as consul suffectus in A. D. 46. He is characterised by Tacitus as bello egregius, and carried on the war with success against several of the British tribes. Among others, he defeated the powerful tribe of the Silures, took prisoner their king Caractacus, and sent him in chains to Rome [CARACTACUS]. In consequence of this success he received the insignia of a triumph, but died soon afterwards in the province, worn out by the toils and anxieties of war. (Tac. Ann. 12.31-39, Agr. 14.)