Laetus

(Λαῖτος), a Greek writer of uncertain age, who translated from the Phoenician language a work of Theodotus. (Clem. Al. Strom. i. p. 140; Euseb. Praep. Ev. 10.11, where Χαῖτος is a false reading.)

was praefect of the praetorium under Commodus, and one of the chief agents in his assassination. [Commodus; Eclectus; Marcia.] By Laetus and his associate Eclectus the vacant throne was offered to Pertinax, and Laetus was the first to incite the guards to rebel against the new prince, and to proclaim Sosius Falco, the consul, emperor in his place. At length the turbulent career of this adventurer was brought to a close by Julianus, who put him to death on the suspicion that he was favourable to the claims of Severus. (D. C. 72.19, 22, 73.1, 6, 8, 9; Herodian. i, 16, 17, 2.1, 2; Lamprid. Commod. 15, 17; Capitolin. Perlin. 5, 6; Spartian. Julian. 6, Sept. Sever. 4.) [W.R]

was one of the lieutenants of Septimius Severus in the campaign against the Arabians and Parthians, A. D. 195; and a few years afterwards (A. D. 199) gained great renown by his gallant and successful defence of Nisibis against a sudden attack headed by Vologaesus. Notwithstanding this good service, and the high reputation which he enjoyed both as a statesman and a general, he was put to death by the emperor, who had become jealous of his popularity with the soldiers. (D. C. 75.2, 9, 10.) [W.R]