Gaius Antius Aulus Julius Quadratus

Biography

Probably born in the early 50s, Julius Quadratus was the son of Aulus, and a wealthy patron of the city of Pergamon; his sister was named Julia Polla. Ronald Syme believes he was related to the general Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus, although Quadratus was a member of the Roman tribe Voltina and Bassus belonged to the tribe Fabia. Olli Salomies has argued his family came from Gallia Narbonensis, and at birth his name was Aulus Julius A.f. Quadratus who was later adopted by a Gaius Antius from Pergamon.

Adlected inter praetorios (or with a praetorian rank) into the Senate by the emperor Vespasian sometime during the 70s, Quadratus was also co-opted into the Arval Brethren at some point before March of 78 when he is first mentioned in their Acta Arvalia. Quadratus is absent from their records for the years 80-81; Ronald Syme infers Quadratus was serving as a proconsular legate in Bithynia et Pontus at the time. This was followed by his successive appointment as legatus Augusti (or imperial legate) to the cities of Galatia, Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, Armenia Minor, Lycaonia and Phrygia from AD 81 to 84. He is mentioned again in the Acta Arvalia from January 86 to May 89, indicating he was residing at Rome during that time.

At some point between 89 and 94, Quadratus added the prefix "Gaius Antius" to his name, likely as a requirement for accepting a legacy from an acquaintance. He was appointed suffect consul for the nundinium May-August AD 94 with Decimus Valerius Asiaticus Saturninus as his colleague. Quadratus was later appointed Legatus Augusti pro praetore of the province of Syria, where he was stationed from AD 100 to 104.

As a reward for his long service he was elected ordinary consul in AD 105. He was finally appointed Roman governor of Asia in AD 109/110. He was honored with numerous inscriptions in his city of Pergamum, where he established regular games in honor of the emperor Trajan as well as the god Jupiter Amicalis.