Sextus Vettulenus Cerialis

Sextus Vettulenus Cerialis was a Roman senator and military commander, the 1st legate of Judaea. He was an early supporter of Vespasian, who appointed Cerialis suffect consul in either 72 or 73.

Origins Cerialis was of Sabine origin. He was born in Reate. Ronald Syme speculates that the Sex. Vettulenus Cerialis memorialized with his wife Lusia Galla in an inscription recovered at Venafro was Cerialis' father and mother; if that is the case, his father served as a soldier, and his career was capped as primus pilus of Legio XI. At least one brother is attested for him: Gaius Vettulenus Civica Cerealis, suffect consul in either 72 or 73 according to Syme, or between 73 and 76, according to Gallivan.

Career Edward Dabrowa lists Cerialis "amongst the Sabine people who, due to Vespasian, gained high ranks and were admitted to the Roman political elite." Cerialis impressed Vespasian with his courage and his success in numerous military actions. After the fall of Jerusalem, Cerialis was appointed governor of Judea and legate of Legio X Fretensis. He held both offices until at least AD 71, when he was replaced by Sextus Lucilius Bassus.

Following his consulship, Cerialis was appointed governor of Moesia, where he is attested by one military diploma dated 28 April 75, and a second dated 7 February 78. An acephalic inscription found in Carthage has been attributed to him, which would attest he was proconsul of Africa for the term 83/84.

Family Although the name of his wife is not known, Cerialis is considered the father of Sextus Vettulenus Civica Cerialis, ordinary consul in 106.