Virius Lupus

Who is Virius Lupus?

Virius Lupus was a Roman soldier and politician of the late 2nd and early 3rd century.

His parents were Lucius Virius, born c. 140, and wife Antonia, also born c. 140 and daughter of Marcus Antonius Zeno. His paternal grandparents were Quintus Virius, born c. 110, and wife Larcia, born c. 125, a daughter of Aulus Larcius Lepidus and wife Volumnia Calida.

He served as a Legatus of one of the German provinces and supported Septimius Severus during the civil war that followed the murder of Pertinax. In 196 his troops were defeated by Decimus Clodius Albinus as the fight for the throne intensified.

He would have served as consul some time previously and became Governor or Legatus of Britannia once Severus was made emperor in 197.

Severus sent him to Britain immediately to recover the province from the rebellions that had swept it following Clodius Albinus' removal of most of the garrison to press his claim for the throne the previous year.

In the north he was obliged to buy peace from the Maeatae.