The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook

62 The Roman Army
Furthermore, an emperor could appoint talented equestrians to
senatorial rank and then employ them in posts normally reserved for
senators. But emperors were always mindful of their personal security
and the need to exercise patronage, and probably preferred nonspecialist
commanders. In this way no military hierarchy of professional
generals could emerge who might plot, or attempt to undermine imperial
control of military and foreign policy (for differing views see Birley
1981:4–35; Campbell 1975; 1984:325–47; 1987).
Over seventy careers (mainly late 1st-early 3rd century) of consular
governors are known in some detail through inscriptions, of which
only a small number can be translated here. These generally list posts
held in descending order of importance, though the consulship and
priesthoods are often placed out of order.
110 ILS 1077=Smallwood NH 190, inscription, Rome, 2nd C.AD
To Lucius Aemilius Carus, son of Lucius, of the tribe Camilia, consul,
legate of the Emperor with propraetorian power of the province of
Cappadocia, legate of the Emperor with propraetorian power and census
officer of the province of Lugdunensis, legate of the Emperor with
propraetorian power of the province of Arabia, superintendent of the
Flaminian way, legate of Legion XXX Ulpia Victorious, praetor, tribune
of the plebs, quaestor of the Emperor, military tribune of Legion VIII
Augusta, military tribune of Legion IX Hispana, member of the Board
of Ten for jurisdiction, member of the Flavian Brotherhood, member of
the Board of Fifteen for conducting sacrifices, Gaius Julius Erucianus
Crispus, prefect of the first Ulpian ala of Dacians, to an excellent friend.
Carus was governor of Arabia (containing one legion) in AD 142/3, and consul
in 143 or 144. Although he held two military tribunates (Birley 1981:10–11),
this does not necessarily indicate preparation for a military career; there may
have been personal reasons, a wish to serve with a relative, or a temporary
shortage of suitable men.
111 ILS 1066=Smallwood NH 194, inscription, Minturnae
(Minturno), 2nd C.AD
To Lucius Burbuleius Optatus Ligarianus, son of Lucius, of the tribe
Quirina, consul, member of the Augustan Brotherhood, legate of
Emperor Antoninus Augustus Pius with propraetorian power of the
province of Syria, where he died in office, legate of the same Emperor
and the divine Hadrian with propraetorian power of the province of
Cappadocia, superintendent of the public works and areas, prefect of