Marcus Cluvius Rufus
Cluvius Rufus (* well before 2 BC, † after 70 AD) was a Roman consul and historian in the first century AD
Caligula's assassination
It is uncertain whether a named in Josephus Cluvius is to identify with the historian. Josephus provides a conversation that took place just before 41 AD Caligula's assassination in theaters on January 24:
In the manuscripts, although is not " Cluvius " but " Cluitos ". However, since such a name is not known, already suspected Mommsen that here Cluvius Rufus was meant. Townend graduated from the whispered conversation that one of the parties, presumably Cluvius, should have handed the scene and drew the exaggerated conclusion that Cluvius was not taken seriously as a historian. Is uncertain in any case, whether here the historian himself or possibly his father are meant. Perhaps Josephus Cluvius has also referred to merely as anachronistic former consul.
The Herald Nero
At the time of Nero Cluvius Rufus Herold services rendered for the emperor. Suetonius reports on the second Neronia in the summer of 65:
Cassius Dio reports on Greece travel Nero in the year 67:
From the employment of Cluvius with the theater puts a quote from his History testifies that about Plutarch:
Governor of Spain
Cluvius Rufus ' friendship with Nero was for his successor Galba (Kaiser since April 1 / June 8, 68 ) there is no impediment to send him as governor in the province of Hispania ( Tarraconensis ):
After Galba's assassination ( January 15, 69 ), he was inclined to Otho.
When Otho, Vitellius replaced (April 16, 69), is Cluvius again took time on the winning side. But there are serious doubts about his loyalty:
And still under Vespasian was Cluvius in the highest esteem. Tacitus puts him at the beginning of the year 70 the T. Eprius Marcellus against:
The historian
Cluvius Rufus ' death date is unknown. His historical work he is likely to have only completed under Vespasian. If he was actually in the year 41 already consul, but he should have died in all probability even under this emperor. The fragments are collected in The Fragments of the Roman Historians ( No. 84).
Period of the Historiae of Cluvius
It is controversial how long comprised the historical work of Cluvius Rufus. Particularly uncertain is its beginning, but it is likely that at least the entire reign of Claudius ( 41-54 ) have covered. It is also possible that the length of Josephus traditional report of the murder of Caligula's already back to Cluvius.
But it is also unclear at which time the work of history ended: With the death of Nero or the end of the year 68 ( Townend )? With the death of Vitellius ( Mommsen )? Probably Cluvius 69 has not treated the end of the year.
Rating as a historian
Cluvius Rufus applies since Mommsen relevant study as " excellent informant " and as the main source for the description of the time Nero in Tacitus. Plutarch quotes him and Suetonius and Cassius Dio resorted to the historian. His high position made him deep insight into the events of his time taking: "a man so which knew about " (narrow ). His eloquentia was undisputed. Tacitus also makes it clear on several occasions, which is why he prefers Cluvius Rufus as a source other. He reported the year 55:
According to Tacitus Cluvius reported in accordance with the other historians Tacitus and followed him in his account. Also, in another different traditional event for year 59 is true Cluvius agree with the majority and is preferred by Tacitus:
Pliny the Younger reported in a letter from a conversation between Rufus and Verginius Rufus Cluvius ( 14-97 ), which underscores the absolute source of loyalty and truthfulness of Cluvius Rufus: