Civilis

Civilis (Julius Civilis) (sivī'lis) [key], fl. A.D. 70, Batavian chief who chose the unsettled period at the fall of Nero to raise a revolt in Germany, which quickly spread to Gaul (A.D. 69–70). Its chief effect was to remove from Vitellius, who was struggling with Vespasian, any real support from Gaul. After Vespasian became emperor, he sent the Roman general Cerialis to put down the revolt. The rebels were treated with great consideration, and many entered the Roman service. Civilis' fate, however, is unknown.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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