Junius Bassus
Encyclopedia
Iunius Bassus signo Theotecnius (June 317 – 25 August 359) was an ancient Roman politician. The son of the praetorian prefect
Junius Annius Bassus
, he was vir clarissimus and vicarius
of Rome as well as praefectus urbi
from 25 March to 25 August 359. The important Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus
shows him to have been a Christian.
Praetorian prefect
Praetorian prefect was the title of a high office in the Roman Empire. Originating as the commander of the Praetorian Guard, the office gradually acquired extensive legal and administrative functions, with its holders becoming the Emperor's chief aides...
Junius Annius Bassus
Junius Annius Bassus
Iunius Annius Bassus was an ancient Roman politician.- Life :He served as praetorian prefect from 318 to 331, during which time he also held the consulate - many of the laws in the Codex Theodosianus are addressed to him...
, he was vir clarissimus and vicarius
Vicarius
Vicarius is a Latin word, meaning substitute or deputy. It is the root and origin of the English word "vicar" and cognate to the Persian word most familiar in the variant vizier....
of Rome as well as praefectus urbi
Praefectus urbi
The praefectus urbanus or praefectus urbi, in English the urban prefect, was prefect of the city of Rome, and later also of Constantinople. The office originated under the Roman kings, continued during the Republic and Empire, and held high importance in late Antiquity...
from 25 March to 25 August 359. The important Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus
Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus
The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus is a marble Early Christian sarcophagus used for the burial of Junius Bassus, who died in 359. It has been described as "probably the single most famous piece of early Christian relief sculpture." The sarcophagus was originally placed in or under Old St...
shows him to have been a Christian.