Français – عربي – ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖⵜ – English
Lucceius Albinus was a Roman official who served as governor of Mauretania. In 69, after the claimant to the imperial throne whom he supported was defeated, he proclaimed himself King of Mauretania and took the name of Juba! He was killed soon after this.
Lucceius Albinus started his first important function when he was named governor of Roman Judea, in 62, after his predecessor died. While he was on his way to the province, the Jewish high priest seized the opportunity, as there was no Roman governor in Judea, to have James, the brother of Jesus Christ and the leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem, stoned. As soon as he arrived, Albinus had the high priest removed: the Jewish religious authorities had no right to condemn a man to death and execute him without Rome’s agreement. Albinus’ mandate was marked by growing tensions between Jews and Romans.
After ten years in Judea (62-64), Albinus was named governor of Mauretania Caesariensis. His mandate was later extended to also include Mauretania Tingitana.
After Emperor Nero was assassinated in June 68, Rome fell into anarchy: military factions fought for power and four Emperors succeeded each other in one year. Albinus supported Otho, one of the claimants to the throne, who became Emperor from January to April 69, before killing himself. After his death, Albinus rebelled against Rome: he gave up his charge as a governor and proclaimed himself King of Mauretania, taking the name of Juba. He even threatened to cross the straight and invade Spain. The new Emperor Vitellius sent legions against him in Mauretania. With little support from the local populations, Albinus was easily defeated and executed.
