Gaius Avidius Nigrinus

Gaius Avidius Nigrinus (died 118) was a Roman who lived between the 1st and 2nd centuries.

Nigrinus’ ancestors were Romans of the highest political rank: he was the son of an elder Gaius Avidius Nigrinus, his brother was the consul Titus Avidius Quietus and his uncle was the consul Tiberius Avidius Quietus. Nigrinus’ family was wealthy, distinguished and well-connected politically in Faventia (modern Faenza, Italy), where he was born and raised. Nigrinus and his family may have been related to Gaius Petronius Pontius Nigrinus, who was consul in the year 37.

His family had strong links to Greece. The father of Nigrinus had served at an unknown date during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96) as Proconsul of Achaea, as had his paternal uncle. His family was friendly with the Roman Senator Pliny the Younger and the Greek Historian Plutarch, who dedicated ‘On Brotherly Love’ to the elder Nigrinus and Quietus.

Nigrinus was a longstanding friend of the Roman Emperor Trajan and his family. He served Trajan as Tribune in 105. Nigrinus served as Legatus of Achaea and probably participated in Trajan’s attempt to recognize and stabilize the administration of the financially troubled province. Nigrinus later became the Roman Governor of Greece.