Primus, M. Antonius
A native of Tolosa in Gaul, who was condemned of forgery (
falsum) in
the reign of Nero, was expelled from the Senate, of which he was a member, and was banished
from the city. After the death of Nero (A.D. 68), he was restored to his former rank by Galba,
and appointed to the command of the seventh legion, which was stationed in Pannonia. He was
one of the first generals in Europe who declared in favor of Vespasian, and rendered him the
most important services. In conjunction with the governors of Moesia and Pannonia, he invaded
Italy, gained a decisive victory over the Vitellian army at Bedriacum, and took Cremona, which
he allowed his soldiers to pillage and destroy. He afterwards forced his way into Rome,
notwithstanding the obstinate resistance of the Vitellian troops, and had the government of
the city till the arrival of Mucianus from Syria. (See
Mucianus.) We learn from Martial, who was a friend of Antonius Primus, that he was
alive at the accession of Trajan.
