Bruttius Praesens, Gaius
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Bruttius Praesens, Gaius: (fl. AD late 1st – mid 2nd Century). A Roman senator from Lucania, he was a friend of Pliny the Younger. Although he began his political career under Domitian, he was not able to advance until the reign of Trajan. Under this last emperor, Bruttius distinguished himself as a military commander during the war against the Parthians (AD 115-116). as a reward, he received the governorship of Cilicia, and was serving in that post when Trajan died in 117. His career continued to thrive under Trajan’s successor, Hadrian. He served as legate in Cappadocia and then Moesia. he was proconsul of Africa and legate in Syria. In AD 139, he served as consul in partnership with the new emperor Antoninus Pius. He may have also held the office of city prefect of Rome. He was the grandfather of Crispina, the wife of the emperor Commodus.