The nomenCestius seems to be derived from the cognomenCestus, referring to an open-fingered boxing glove, or to a girdle. The Cestii probably of Latin origin. Although the surname Gallus, borne by two of the family, might point to a Gallic origin, another surname of the Cestii, Camerinus, suggests that the Cestii might have claimed descent from the ancient Latin city ofCameria. At least two other prominent families, the Sulpicii and the Coruncanii, seem to have come from Cameria. However, the name might also indicate that some of the Cestii claimed descent from the great patrician house of the Sulpicii, who had long used this surname.
The Cestii do not appear to have been divided into distinct families. The cognomina Gallus, Macedonicus, Proculus, and Severus were probably personal surnames, as was Pius, a rhetorician and a native of Smyrna, who was perhaps a freedman of the gens. Gallus refers to a cockerel, or to someone of Gallic extraction. Macedonicus alluded to the military service of one of the Cestii in Macedonia, while Proculus was an old praenomen that came to be used as a surname in many families. Severus was a common surname meaning "grave, serious," or "severe", while Pius referred to a person known for being dutiful or pious.
Members
Cestii Galli
Gaius Cestius Gallus, surnamed Camerinus, was a senator, and consul suffectus in AD 35.
Gaius Cestius C. f. Gallus, consul suffectus in AD 42, and governor of Syria, he failed to quash the revolt of the JewscircaAD 64 and 65, and was removed from his command. He apparently died before the arrival of his successor.
Lucius Cestius, father of the Gaius Cestius for whom the Pyramid of Cestius was erected. A Lucius Cestius, perhaps the same person, was triumvir monetalis circa43 BC.
Gaius Cestius, praetor in 44 BC, he belonged to the aristocratic party, and refused the offer of a province from Marcus Antonius. He may be the same as the Gaius Cestius mentioned by Cicero in a letter to Atticus in 51, and the Cestius mentioned in the oration Pro Flacco in 59. He is probably the Cestius who perished in the proscriptions of 43 BC.
Cestius Macedonicus, a native of Perusia, acquired his surname on account of his service in Macedonia. When Perusia was taken by Octavian in 41 BC, he determined to destroy himself by fire, and setting his house ablaze, stabbed himself, then leaped into the flames. The fire spread to adjacent structures, ultimately destroying much of the town.
Gaius Cestius L. f., praetor, tribune of the plebs, and member of the septemviri epulones. The Pyramid of Cestius was erected in his honor, apparently during the reign of Augustus. He may be identical with one of the Cestii mentioned by Cicero.
Lucius Cestius Pius, a native of Smyrna, who taught rhetoric at Rome, and was known for replying to Cicero with public speeches of his own. He is mentioned by both Seneca and Quintilian, neither of whom held a high opinion of him.
