Der Dichter und zweimalige Proconsul Postumius Rufius Festus signo Avienius

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a fresh discussion of the available information concerning the life of the late antique Roman aristocrat and poet Postumius Rufius Festus signo Avienius, formerly known under the erroneous name ‘Avienus’. His two proconsulships are tentatively assigned to the period between 333 and 336 (Africa) and to 339 / 40 (Achaea) and his major poems to the time between 340 and 360 / 3. Festus’ family connections and his relationship to Sextus Petronius Probus are discussed as well as the reason, why he came to be known as ‘Avienus’ in later times. In addition, an identification of two Anonymi from PLRE I is proposed (Anonymus 37 = Cezeus Largus; Anonymus 46 = Postumius Rufius Festus signo Avienius).