A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

served as praefectus of a cohort under Corbulo in the war against the Parthians A. D. 54, in which he obtained the character of a brave and skilful officer. He was said to have calumniated Corbulo to Nero, and to have been advanced in consequence to the rank of chief centurion (primum pilum adepto). At the death of Nero he held this rank in the seventh legion, which was stationed in Pannonia under the command of Antonius Primus, whom he cordially supported, when the latter espoused the cause of Vespasian, and resolved to march into Italy against Vitellius. After Vitellius had been slain, and Primus had obtained possession of Rome, Varus was appointed commander of the praetorian troops (Praefectus Practorio), and received the insignia of the praetorship. Upon the arrival of Mucinus shortly afterwards, who was jealous both of Primus and of Varus, the latter was deprived of the command of the praetorian troops, which was assumed by Mucianus himself, but Varus, as a compensation, was made Praefectus Annonae. (Tac. Ann. 13.9, Hist. 3.6, 16, 52, 4.2, 4, 11, 39, 68.)