Equitius (consul)

Equitius, or Aequitius, was magister militum in Illyricum in the Roman Empire.

Career

Born in Pannonia, he served together with the future Emperor Valentinian I as scutarius. Being one of Valentinian's principal supporters, the new Emperor made Equitius magister militum in Illyricum in 364. When Procopius rose up against Valentinian, Equitius remained loyal to the Emperor. Procopius sent envoys to the Illyrian troops to secure their support, but Equitius had them captured and killed. Valentinian appointed Equitius consul in 374. In 375, when Valentinian died, Equitius was one of the generals who elevated the deceased emperor's second son, Valentinian II, as emperor. He was last seen in the region of Illyria in 384.