Retired Roman centurion almost gets away with the long-con!

>Slaves were not permitted to become legionaries, let alone centurions. In AD 93, time-served centurion Claudius Pacatus was living in retirement when he was recognized as a slave who had escaped many years before. Because of Pacatus’ distinguished military service, the emperor [Domitian](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Domiziano_da_collezione_albani%2C_fine_del_I_sec._dc._02.JPG) spared his life, but he returned him to his original master, to live out the rest of his days as a slave. _____________________________ **Source:** Dando-Collins, Stephen. “Part I: The Men – The Centurion.” *Legions of Rome: The Definitive History of Every Imperial Roman Legion*. Thomas Dunne Books, 2012. 41. Print. ____________________________ **Further Reading:** [Domitian / Titus Flavius Caesar Domitianus Augustus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domitian)