Antoninus (turncoat)


Antoninus was a member of the Household Cavalry under Emperor Constantius II, and later an advisor to the Sasanian king Shapur II. He played a key role in providing intelligence to the shah, culminating in the sack of Amida in 359 AD.

Life

is the only source on Antoninus:
Ammianus then goes on to describe how Antoninus had been mistreated by the imperial authorities of Constantius II. Having grown tired of losing property and wealth to corruption, Antoninus decided to become turncoat. After contacting the Sasanian authorities, he crossed the Tigris river and joined Sasanians. Antoninus later met Ursicinus in the turn of events leading to the siege of Amida. Ammianus noted how Antoninus had come to adopt the dress and customs of the Sasanian court.
There is nothing else known about Antoninus' life, aside from the high position in the court of Shapur II. This may in part have been because he spoke both Greek and Latin.