Alleius Nigidius Maius

Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius Maius (15–23 CE – 79 CE?) was a politician and wealthy businessman in ancient Pompeii who gained wide popularity with the citizens of the town through his sponsorship of gladiatorial games and other spectacles.

Early life

Alleius Maius's mother was Pomponia Decharis and he was adopted at a relatively young age. His mother was buried in the tomb of Eumachia.

Political career

Alleius Maius enjoyed a successful career in local Pompeian politics, having been elected aedile, duumvir and quinquennial duumvir (in 55 A.D.) before the age of forty. He gained wide popularity among the public through his sponsorship of gladiatorial games and many notices pertaining to the shows he sponsored have been uncovered during the excavations at Pompeii:

At the dedication of (Ocella) of the opus tabularum of Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius Maius, at Pompeii on 13 June, there will be a procession, hunt, athletics, and awnings.

Good fortune to Gnaeus Alleius Maius, the leading games-giver.

Priesthood

Alleius Maius and his daughter were also prominent in religious circles in Pompeii. One of the surviving notices refers to him as 'Priest (or Flamen) of Caesar Augustus' which might refer either to the Emperor Claudius or Vespasian, the title suggesting a position of some eminence. His daughter Alleia was also a public priestess and may have had a statue dedicated to her in the Macellum, which was the town's market building.