Polyclitus (freedman)

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Polyclitus was an influential freedman in the court of the Roman emperor Nero. He was sent to Britain in 60 or 61 AD to head an enquiry in the aftermath of the rebellion of Boudica. As a result the governor, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, was relieved of his command and replaced by Publius Petronius Turpilianus. [1]

Polyclitus was put to death by Galba in 68, due to his high influence, as a part of the political purge that occurred after the change of emperors. [2]

Crucifixion of Polyclitus, by Salvator Rosa Rosa Crucifixion of Polyclitus.jpg
Crucifixion of Polyclitus, by Salvator Rosa

References

  1. Tacitus, Annals 14.39
  2. Plutarch, The Parallel Lives, Life of Galba, 17