Primary Source XLI: An Excerpt from Aurelius Victor

The Calocaerus Revolt (334 CE) was an uprising led by a certain Calocaerus, the Magister Pecoris Camelorum (Master of the Flock and Camels) in Cyprus, who declared himself emperor. The revolt was short lived and ruthlessly suppressed in the same year by Flavius Dalmatius, half brother to Emperor Constantine I. We know of the events from historians such as St. Jerome (Jerome of Stridon), St. Theophanes the Confessor and (our earliest source) from Sextus Aurelius Victor in his work De Caesaribus. Written in the 4th century, it provides a concise summary of the lives and reigns of Roman emperors from Augustus to Constantius II, and it draws heavily from the Enmannsche Kaisergeschichte, a lost source that served as a common framework for several late Roman historical accounts. This short (but important) source springboards us to next month's episode: the little known and enigmatic Calocaerus Revolt with Maria Castello!

Welcome to The History of Cyprus Podcast -- a monthly series exploring the island’s past from 10,000 BCE to the 20th century. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading scholars in archaeology, linguistics, political and social history, bringing academic insight to a wide audience.

Together, we uncover the languages, cultures, conflicts, and legacies that shaped one of the Mediterranean’s most storied crossroads. Whether you’re a student, a history enthusiast, or just curious about Cyprus, this podcast offers something for everyone -- rooted in research, driven by storytelling.

If you’d like to reach me, my name is Andreas. Please feel free to send me an email at [email protected]

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*The podcast image, ”Dressed for the Gods” (250BC) is from the British Museum taken by William Warby. Check out more of his work at flickr.com/photos/wwarby/

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