Quintus Petillius Cerialis

Quentin Petillius Cerialis Caesius Rufus, also referred to as Quintus Petillius Cerialis, was a Roman commander and administrator who served in Britain during Boudica's uprising and later took part in the civil wars that broke out after Nero's death. Later, after putting down Julius Civilis' insurrection, he served as Britain's governor before departing again.

In 69, during the civil conflicts of the Year of Four Emperors, Cerialis as the son-in-law of Vespasian and the husband of Domitilla the Younger was taken captive by Vitellius. Cerialis succeeded in escaping while posing as a farmer and enlisting in the Flavian army. He was one of the cavalry generals that overcame Rome in preparation for Vespasian's invasion. His task was to travel the Via Salaria via Sabine territory to reach Rome. Thanks to his accomplishments and the confidence of his brother-in-law, he was given leadership of XIV Gemina, a tough province at the time called Germania Inferior. The Batavian insurrection, which saw the local tribes under the leadership of a romanized prince named Julius Civilis besiege two Roman legions at Xanten, was another local uprising that Cerialis had to cope with. Petillius Cerialis achieved success once more and was honored by Vespasian, who also granted him his first consulate.

When Cerialis was appointed to lead Roman Britain in 71, he brought the II Adiutrix into the province. Gnaeus Julius Agricola, the commander of XX Valeria Victrix, also supported him. Cerialis launched a war against the Brigantes of northern England while serving as governor. When Cerialis departed Britain in 74, Titus Clodius Eprius Marcellus served as his colleague, according to a military certificate dated May 21, 74, attesting to Cerialis' second term as consul.