Who was Avidius Cassius?

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Bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius with his right arm raised, seated on a horse, at Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, Italy. — Marcus Aurelius Marcus Aurelius, bronze equestrian statue in the Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome.

Gaius Avidius Cassius (c. 130–175 CE) was a prominent Roman general who served as a supreme commander of forces in the East under Marcus Aurelius.12

A distinguished military leader, he played a key role in Rome’s war against the Parthians, notably sacking Ctesiphon in 165 CE. By 172 CE, he had been appointed governor of Syria and held authority over the eastern provinces, including Egypt.12

In 175 CE, following a false report of the death of Marcus Aurelius, Avidius Cassius proclaimed himself emperor. His usurpation was short-lived; before Marcus Aurelius could complete his march to the East to confront him, Avidius was assassinated by his own soldiers. While some ancient sources alleged that the empress Faustina was complicit in his rebellion, these accusations are considered implausible by historians.12