Patricius (usurper)

Patricius was one of the main leaders in the Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus in the Roman province of Syria Palaestina.

Biography

Patricius, known by his countrymen as Natrona, was a messianic claimant and thus a probable member of the Davidic line. Following Constantius II's issuing of laws discriminating against Jews, Patricius, alongside Isaac of Diocesarea led a revolt against the rule of Constantius Gallus, the brother-in-law of Constantius II. Patricius and Isaac took control of Sepphoris alongside several other neighbouring towns, however the revolt was eventually crushed by the Roman general Ursicinus. A midrash suggests that Patricius was killed in the battle around 352.