What is "baduarius"

Baduarius was an East Roman (Byzantine) aristocrat, the son-in-law of Byzantine emperor Justin II (r. 565–578). Theophanes the Confessor erroneously calls him a brother.

Baduarius was a Byzantine general, active early in the reign of Justinian I (r. 527–565) in Scythia Minor (modern Dobruja).

The historian Patrick Amory considers the name Baduarius to be Germanic in origin. Baduarius is mentioned in the writings of John Malalas, John of Nikiû, Theophanes the Confessor and Georgios Kedrenos. He is recorded in Greek as " stratelates of Scythia", hence probably a magister militum. In 528, Baduarius and Godilas led a military expedition from Odessus (modern Varna) against the Huns of Crimea. Under their leader Mougel, the Huns had reportedly captured Byzantine areas on the coasts of the Black Sea.

Also in 528, Baduarius is mentioned as Dux Scythiae. He and Justin, Dux of Moesia Secunda, joined their forces in battle against a force of foreign invaders. Malalas reports "the Huns", whom Theophanes identifies as Bulgars, invading Scythia and Moesia. Either way, the battle went poorly for the Byzantines. Justin was killed and the invaders next entered Thrace. Justin was replaced by Constantiolus.

While operations against the invaders continued, Baduarius is not mentioned taking part in them. With later battles taking place at some distance from Scythia Minor, he might have nothing to do with them. His eventual fate is unknown. A younger Baduarius turns up in the reign of Justin II (r. 565–578). The Prosopography of the Later Roman Empire considers it likely the younger man could be a son or grandson of the stratelates of Scythia.

Baduarius may refer to:

• Baduarius (Scythia), 6th century Byzantine general active in Scythia Minor
• Baduarius, 6th century Byzantine curopalates, son-in-law of Justin II and Sophia
• Baduarius (curator), 6th century figure recorded as "curator domus rerum Areobindi"

Baduarius is a figure of 6th century Constantinople, known only from a single inscription in an epitaph.

The inscription is written in the Greek language, mentioning the glorious memory of Baduarius and Theodora. His title is rendered in Latin as " curator domus rerum Areobindi" (caretaker of the house of Areobindus). The wording suggests that said house was no longer owned by anyone called Areobindus. It was probably an estate having passed to "imperial ownership". Baduarius either being a caretaker in imperial service or someone granted ownership at some point.

The Theodora mentioned in the inscription could be Baduarius' wife. There are theories identidying this man with Baduarius, son-in-law of Justin II and Sophia. However, the only known wife of the other Baduarius is called "Arabia", not Theodora.