Vindex, Gaius Julius

Vindex, Gaius Julius

 

Year of birth unknown; died A.D. 68. Roman general. A Gaul who descended from an ancient Aquitanian royal family.

While governor of Northern Gaul, Vindex excited rebellion against Nero in the spring of 68. In this he was supported by Galba, the governor of Tarraconian Spain, and Verginius Rufus, the governor of Germany. In the vicinity of Vesontio (present-day Besangon), the troops of Verginius Rufus, without orders from above, attacked Vindex’ army, which was passing their camp. They presumed that the latter was marching against them. Vindex committed suicide.