Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo
Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo was a prominent Roman general and politician born into a distinguished family, known for his military achievements and significant roles within the Roman Empire. He became consul in 39 CE and served as governor of Lower Germany, where he successfully defended against an invasion by the Chauci tribe. Despite his victories, he faced restrictions from Emperor Claudius, which led him to lament the limitations placed on Roman generals. Later, Corbulo was appointed governor of Asia and, in 54 CE, became the governor of Cappadocia and Galatia, leading military campaigns against the Parthians. Between 58 and 63 CE, he achieved considerable success, capturing key cities and establishing a pro-Roman ruler in Armenia.
His military prowess and noble lineage ultimately made him a potential rival to Emperor Nero. This political tension culminated in 67 CE when Corbulo was forced to take his own life. In the aftermath of his death, later Romans regarded him as an exemplary general, and his writings on his military campaigns influenced historians like Tacitus. Corbulo’s legacy remains significant in the study of Roman military history and governance.
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Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Military leader
Life
From a distinguished family (his father was a consul under Caligula, and his stepsister was one of that emperor’s wives), Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo (NEE-uhs doh-MIHSH-ee-uhs KAWR-byuh-loh) became a consul in 39 c.e. As governor of Lower Germany (modern Netherlands) in 47 c.e., he defeated an invasion of the Chauci, a German tribe. Forbidden by Claudius to strike back into enemy territory, Corbulo famously complained, “Happy were the Roman generals before me!” Claudius did make him governor of the important province of Asia (now western Turkey). In 54 c.e., Nero appointed him governor of Cappadocia and Galatia (central Turkey) and commander in chief in a war against Parthia. Between 58 and 63 c.e., Corbulo captured Artaxata and Tigranocerta, installed a client king over Armenia, and concluded a favorable peace with the Parthians, placing a pro-Roman candidate on their throne. Sometime during the war, he was made governor of Syria and given overall authority (imperium maius) in the Eastern provinces. His military success and noble descent made him a potential threat to the emperor Nero, and in October of 67 c.e., Corbulo was forced to commit suicide.
Influence
Later Romans considered Corbulo a model general. Corbulo wrote an account of his wars, which was used by the historian Tacitus and others.
Bibliography
Griffin, Miriam T., et al. “Domitius Corbulo, Gnaeus.” In The Oxford Classical Dictionary, edited by Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. 3d ed. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Schoonover, Draper Tolman. A Study of Gn. Domitius Corbulo as Found in the “Annals” of Tacitus. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1909.
Wheeler, Everett. “The Chronology of Corbulo in Armenia.” Klio 79, no. 2 (1997): 383-397.