Publius Vitellius, grandfather of the emperor Vitellius, was a Roman eques, who served as procurator during the reign of Augustus. [1]
Vitellius was born at Nuceria Apulorum, perhaps the son of the Quintus Vitellius who was a quaestor under Augustus. [2] His sister, Vitellia, married Aulus Plautius, consul suffectus in 1 BC. He had four sons: Lucius, the father of the emperor, had a distinguished military career, and was consul in AD 34. [3] [4] Publius was also a distinguished soldier, serving on the staff of Germanicus. He was arrested following the downfall of Sejanus, and died in confinement. [1] [5] Aulus was consul suffectus in AD 32, and died in office. [6] Quintus was a senator, whom the emperor deprived of his rank. [7]