Flavius

Josephus, Flavius, A.D. 37-c.A.D. 100, Jewish historian and soldier, b. Jerusalem. Josephus' historical works are among the most valuable sources for the study of early Judaism and early Christianity. Having studied the tenets of the three main sects of Judaism—Essenes, Sadducees, and Pharisees—he became a Pharisee. At the beginning of the war between the Romans and Jews, he was made commander of Galilee, despite the fact that he had opposed the uprising. He surrendered to the Romans instead of committing suicide when the stronghold was taken. He won the favor of the Roman general Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) and took his name, Flavius. He lived in Rome under imperial patronage, where he wrote the Greek-language historical works for which he is renowned. He wrote The Jewish War; the famous Antiquities of the Jews, a history of the Jews from creation to the war with Rome; Against Apion, an exalted defense of the Jews; and his autobiography, or apologia. His complete works have appeared in English editions.

Stilicho, Flavius, d. 408, Roman general, a Vandal. He was the chief general of Theodosius I, whose niece he married. By order of Theodosius, he served after Theodosius' death (395) as the regent for Honorius in the West. In 395 he was summoned from Italy to defend the Eastern Empire against the Visigoths under Alaric I; but after his arrival in Greece he withdrew without fighting, under orders from Arcadius, who was influenced by his enemy and rival, Rufinus. In 397 he returned and drove Alaric into the mountains but permitted him to escape. His position was strengthened by the marriage of his daughter to Honorius. He was responsible for putting down a revolt (397) in Africa. Subsequently he campaigned in Rhaetia against the Vandals and other barbarians (401-2), fought Alaric at Pollentia (402) and at Verona (403), and crushed Radagaisus near Fiesole (405). In 408, Honorius, influenced by an ambitious favorite, had Stilicho arrested and executed for high treason. Stilicho did not resist, although it was in his power to do so. Rumor accused him of planning the assassination of Rufinus, of plotting to make his son emperor, of making secret agreements with Alaric, and of inviting (406) the barbarians into Gaul; but evidence to support the charges is lacking. Stilicho is highly regarded in the verse of the poet Claudian.

orig. Joseph Ben Matthias

(born AD 37/38, Jerusalem—died circa 100, Rome) Jewish priest, scholar, and historian. Born of a priestly family, Josephus joined the Pharisees. While on a diplomatic mission he was impressed by the culture and sophistication of Rome, and in the Jewish revolt of AD 66–70 he eventually attached himself to the Roman cause. Favoured in the courts of emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, he wrote valuable historical works. His History of the Jewish War (79) is the principal source on the revolt and includes much on Roman tactics and strategy. The Antiquities of the Jews (93), his greatest work, traces Judaism from creation up to the revolt. Against Apion defends Judaism against Hellenism.

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orig. Joseph Ben Matthias

(born AD 37/38, Jerusalem—died circa 100, Rome) Jewish priest, scholar, and historian. Born of a priestly family, Josephus joined the Pharisees. While on a diplomatic mission he was impressed by the culture and sophistication of Rome, and in the Jewish revolt of AD 66–70 he eventually attached himself to the Roman cause. Favoured in the courts of emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, he wrote valuable historical works. His History of the Jewish War (79) is the principal source on the revolt and includes much on Roman tactics and strategy. The Antiquities of the Jews (93), his greatest work, traces Judaism from creation up to the revolt. Against Apion defends Judaism against Hellenism.

Learn more about Josephus, Flavius with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Flavius was the name of a gens in ancient Rome, meaning "blond". The feminine form was Flavia.

After the end of the popular Flavian dynasty of emperors, Flavius/Flavia became a praenomen, common especially among royalty: the adoption of this praenomen by Constantine I set a precedent for some imperial dynasties, such as Justinianian dynasty and in the official names of high-ranking officials (Aëtius, Belisarius).

Famous people from the gens Flavia are:

• Gaius Flavius Fimbria, consul in 104 BC
• Titus Flavius Clemens, consul in 95
• Titus Flavius Sabinus, consul in 82
• Gaius Flavius Antoninus, general of the 1st century BC and assassin of Julius Caesar
• Lucius Caesetius Flavius, 1st century BC tribune also connected with Caesar

*who appears in the play Julius Caesar as simply "Flavius"

• Flavius Scaevinus, member of the Pisonian conspiracy against Nero
• Lucius Flavius Arrianus Xenophon, historian of the 2nd century
• The Flavian dynasty of emperors:
• Titus Flavius Domitianus, Emperor Domitian
• Titus Flavius Vespasianus, Emperor Vespasian
• Titus Flavius Vespasianus, Emperor Titus
• Julia Flavia, daughter of Titus and mistress of Domitian

• Flavius Josephus (or just Josephus), famous historian of the 1st century, took his Roman name from his patron Vespasian
• Flavia Julia Helena
• Flavia Domitilla - wife / daughter / granddaughter of Vespasian
• Flavia Maximiana Theodora
• Flavia Julia Constantia

Flavius was also used as a praenomen:

• Flavius Aëtius, general of 5th century
• Flavius Arcadius, Byzantine Emperor of the 4th and 5th century
• Flavius Augustus Honorius, Western Roman Emperor of the 4th and 5th century
• Flavius Belisarius, Byzantine general of the 6th century
• Flavius Caper, grammarian of the 2nd century
• Flavius Claudius Constantinus (Constantine II), emperor of the 4th century
• Flavius Claudius Iulianus (Julian the Apostate), emperor of the 4th century
• Flavius Gratianus Augustus (Gratian), Western Roman Emperor of the 4th century
• Flavius Iovianus (or just Jovian), emperor of the 4th century
• Flavius Julius Crispus (or just Crispus), Western Roman Emperor of the 4th century
• Flavius Magnus Magnentius (or just Magnentius), would-be Western Roman Emperor of the 4th century
• Flavius Martinus, vicarius of Roman Britain of the 4th century
• Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Justinianus (Justinian I), Eastern Roman Emperor of the 6th century

Also some Roman legions were called Flavia, since they had been levied by Flavian emperors:

• Legio IV Flavia Felix
• Legio XVI Flavia Firma
• Legio I Flavia Constantia
• Legio I Flavia Gallicana Constantia
• Legio I Flavia Martis
• Legio I Flavia Pacis
• Legio I Flavia Theodosiana
• Legio II Flavia Constantia
• Legio II Flavia Virtutis
• Legio III Flavia Salutis

Others bearing similar names:

• Patriarch Flavianus (Fravitta of Constantinople)
• Virius Nicomachus Flavianus
• There is a Christian saint and martyr named Saint Flavia. She was venerated along with Saint Placidus.
• Chancellor (later President) Flavia is a fictional Time Lady in Doctor Who, played by Dinah Sheridan.
• Flavius Maximus, a character in the Star Trek episode "Bread and Circuses."

See also:

• Flavian dynasty
• Flavian