Marcus Statius Priscus

Marcus Statius Priscus Licinius Italicus was a Roman politician and general of the mid 2nd century.

His career began as an equestrian officer, receiving a decoration from Hadrian during the Jewish rebellion. He then served as procurator in Southern Gaul before being made a senator and commanding two legions in succession.

He was governor of Dacia between 157 and 158 and held the consulship in 159. After this, he governed Moesia Superior between 160 and 161 and became governor of Roman Britain immediately afterwards, serving until perhaps as late as the mid 160s.

Such a rapid career progression indicates a man of ability and an especial strength in running prestigious but troublesome provinces.

Priscus was made governor of Cappadocia by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus after the death of Marcus Sedatius Severianus in a campaign against Vologases IV in 163. The forces of Statius Priscus, made up of Eastern auxiliaries and several legions transferred from the Rhine and the Danube, quickly crushed the Parthians and destroyed the town of Artaxata. Priscus then installed on the throne of Armenia, Sohaemus (who was under the protection of Rome), and rebuilt the city of Valarshapat.

Preceded by Sextus Sulpicius Tertullus and Quintus Tineius Sacerdos Clemens	Consul of the Roman Empire with Plautius Quintillus 159	Succeeded by Appius Annius Atilius Bradua and Titus Clodius Vibius Varus
Preceded by Longinus	Roman governors of Britain 161- later in the 160s	Succeeded by Uncertain, then Sextus Calpurnius Agricola