Avidius Cassius

Avidius Cassius, as governor of Syria, was sent to Egypt to crush the Bucolic revolt, a rebellion of native Egyptian peasants. He successfully defeated the insurgents, restoring Roman control over the vital grain-producing province.

While Marcus Aurelius was campaigning on the Danube, Avidius Cassius was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Syria, following a false rumor of Marcus's death. Cassius accepted the title, claiming rule over the eastern provinces.

After ruling for only three months and six days, Avidius Cassius was assassinated by a centurion loyal to Marcus Aurelius. His rebellion collapsed quickly, and the Senate declared him a public enemy, though Marcus later showed clemency to his family.