Gaius Sentius Saturninus

Gaius Sentius Saturninus (fl. late 1st century BC – 1st century AD) was a Roman senator and military officer who was appointed Roman consul in 19 BC.

Sentius Saturninus, a novus homo, was descended from a senatorial family from Atina. His father was a senator who supported Sextus Pompey, serving as an envoy on his behalf to Marcus Antonius in Greece in 40 BC, but at some point he switched allegiance to Octavianus.

A military officer, Sentius Saturninus’ praetorian career is unknown. In 19 BC he was elected consul ordinarius alongside Quintus Lucretius Vespillo. During this year he was forced to intervene to prevent the candidature of the demagogue Egnatius Rufus, whom he imprisoned and then executed.

In around 14/13 BC, Sentius Saturninus was appointed the proconsular governor of Africa.

From 9 BC – 7 BC Sentius Saturninus served as Legatus Augusti pro praetore (imperial governor) of the Roman province of Syria. During his time as governor of Syria, he was caught up in the intrigues of the Herodian family. Following instructions from Augustus, he convened a council to be held at Berytus to rule on accusations of treason made by Herod the Great against his sons Aristobulus and Alexander. Sentius Saturninus suggested a ruling of mercy, supported by his staff which included Saturninus' three sons, who were his legates. However, the procurator voted against Herod's sons, to which the majority of the council agreed with, resulting in Herod’s sons being condemned and executed.

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