Apollinarius was a native of the
Italian Peninsula, but apparently settled in the
Vandal Kingdom of
North Africa while still underage. He grew up to serve King
Hilderic (r. 523–530) and was reportedly rewarded "with great sums of money". When Hilderic was overthrown by
Gelimer (r. 530–534), Apollinarius escaped to
Constantinople. He and other political exiles asked
Justinian I (r. 527–565) to intervene. Justinian soon started the
Vandalic War. Apollinarius served under
Belisarius in the War and "proved himself a brave man". He took part in the
Battle of Tricamarum (15 December, 533) and his contact earned him the favour of Belisarius. In 534, Apollinarius was rewarded with appointment as governor over the islands of
Ibiza,
Majorca and
Menorca. His authority possibly extended over the rest of the
Balearic Islands, but they are not named in primary sources. His subsequent activities are unknown. ==References==