Primus

A native of Tolosa in Gaul, who was condemned of forgery (falsum) in the reign of Nero, was expelled from the Senate, of which he was a member, and was banished from the city. After the death of Nero (68), he was restored to his former rank by Galba, and appointed to the command of the seventh legion, which was stationed in Pannonia. He was one of the first generals in Europe who declared in favor of Vespasian, and rendered him the most important services. In conjunction with the governors of Moesia and Pannonia, he invaded Italy, gained a decisive victory over the Vitellian army at Bedriacum, and took Cremona, which he allowed his soldiers to pillage and destroy. He afterwards forced his way into Rome, notwithstanding the obstinate resistance of the Vitellian troops, and had the government of the city till the arrival of Mucianus from Syria. (See Mucianus.) We learn from Martial, who was a friend of Antonius Primus, that he was alive at the accession of Trajan.