Ventidius Bassus, Publius
A celebrated Roman general, who at first gained a poor living by letting mules and carriages
to officials. Caesar, however, saw his abilities, and employed him in Gaul, and in the Civil
War (Dio Cass. xliii. 51;
 |
|
Medal commemorating the Parthian Triumph of Ventidius.
|
xv. 4). After Caesar's death Ventidius sided with M. Antony, and in B.C. 43 was made
consul suffectus. In 39 Antony sent Ventidius into Asia, where he defeated the Parthians and
Labienus; and in the second campaign gained a still more brilliant victory over the Parthians,
who had again invaded Syria. For these services he obtained a triumph in 38. His later history
is unknown (Dio Cass. xliii. 51;
Gell. xv. 4; Eutrop. vii. 3;
Plut. Ant. 34;
Juv.vii.
199).
