Marcus Macrinius Vindex

Marcus Macrinius Vindex was a Roman eques who held a number of senior positions during the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, including praetorian prefect.

The family origins of the Macrinii Vindices are unusual. The nomen Macrinus, may be of Celtic origin; Anthony Birley notes the name "may have been of Celtic origin, perhaps from Cologne". Birley also notes the possibility – "however remote" – that Vindex came from Camulodunum (modern Colchester) in Britannia. Of interest is Marcus Macrinius Avitus Catonius Vindex, an eques who was adlected into the Roman Senate and advanced to the consulate. Géza Alföldy is confident that this Vindex was the father of the younger Vindex, while Birley merely states that the older Vindex "perhaps" was the father of the younger.

The first known office Vindex is known to have been appointed to was procurator of Dacia Porolissensis; evidence points to him holding this from 24 September 151 through 27 September 154.

In 169 Vindex was appointed the colleague of praetorian prefect Marcus Bassaeus Rufus. Victories followed for the Romans, only to conclude with Vindex's death in 172.