) From this time we hear no more of him
his father as military tribune, and was one of till his death, in B.
his father as military tribune, and was one of till his death, in B.
William Smith - 1844 - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities - b
xxv.
40, 41.
) The early part of the follow-
the effect of alienating the minds of all the other ing year (211) seems to have been devoted to the
Sicilians. (Liv. xxiv. 35—39 ; Plut. Marc. 18. ) settlement of affairs in Sicily; but it is strange
Meanwhile, the blockade of Syracuse had been that Marcellus does not seem to have made any
prolonged far on into the summer of 212, nor did efforts to put an end altogether to the war in that
there appear any prospect of its termination, as the island before he returned to Rome, and when
communications of the besieged by sea were almost towards the close of the summer he resigned the
entirely open. In this state of things Marcellus command of the province to the praetor M. Cor.
fortunately discovered a part of the walls more nelius, Mutines was still in arms, and Agrigentum
accessible than the rest, and having prepared still in the possession of the Carthaginians. On
scaling ladders, effected an entrance at this point this account the senate refused him the honours of
during the night which followed a great festival, a triumph, notwithstanding his great successes, and
and thus made himself master of the Epipolae. he was obliged to content himself with the inferior
The two quarters called Tyche and Neapolis were distinction of an ovation. Previous to this, how-
now at his mercy, and were given up to plunder ; ever, he celebrated with great magnificence a tri-
but Epicydes still held the island citadel, and the umphal procession to the temple of Jupiter on the
important quarter of Achradina, which formed two Alban Mount, and even his ovation was rendered
separate and strong fortresses. Marcellus, how- more conspicuous than most triumphs by the nun-
30
racuse.
VOL. II.
## p. 930 (#946) ############################################
930
MARCELLUS.
MARCELLUS.
erects
be cio no
The bea
betzer is
Tervbe
paced of
Een by
as Ls
21
gracef!
Sapro a:
Thel
(strica
rzesti
her and magnificence of the spoils brought from drawn battle, in the second the Romans were de
Syracuse. (Liv. xxvi. 21 ; Plut. Marc. 20, 22. ) feated with heavy loss, and in the third they are
Shortly after his triumph he was elected for the said to have gained a complete victory ; notwith-
fourth time consul, together with M. Valerius standing which, Hannibal drew off his army un-
Laevinus. But scarcely had he entered on his molested towards Bruttium, while Marcellus was
office (B. C. 210) when he had to encounter a storm unable to follow him, on account of the number of
of indignation, raised against him by his proceed- his wounded. So severe indeed had been bis
ings in Sicily. Notwithstanding the praises be- losses, that he shut himself up within the walls of
stowed by the Roman writers, and still more by Venusia, and remained there in perfect inactivity
Plutarch (Marc. 20; and see Cic. in Verr. ii. 2, during the remainder of the scason, while Han-
iv. 52, 54), upon his moderation and clemency, it nibal moved up and down throughout the south of
is evident that his conduct was considered by Italy without opposition. Such conduct could not
many, even of his own countrymen, as having been fail to give much dissatisfaction at Rome ; and it
unnecessarily harsh. Deputies from the Sicilian was even proposed by one of the tribunes that
cities now appeared at Rome, to lay their complaints Marcellus should be deprived of his command.
before the senate, where they met with powerful | But on hearing of this motion he immediately
support ; and though the governing body was hastened to Rome, and defended himself so suc-
unwilling to cast a slur upon Marcellus, and de cessfully, that he was not only absolved from all
termined to ratify his past acts, yet the entreaties blame, but elected consul for the ensuing year,
of the Sicilians 80 far prevailed, that the two together with T. Quintius Crispinus. (Liv. xxvii.
consuls exchanged provinces, and it was arranged 7, 12–14, 20, 21 ; Plut. Marc. 25–27. )
that Marcellus, to whose lot Sicily had previously Before he entered on this, his fifth consulship,
fallen, should take the command in Italy against he was sent into Etruria to appease a threatened
Hannibal. (Liv. xxvi. 22, 26, 29-32 ; Plut revolt of the Arretians, and succeeded in quieting
Murc. 23; Zonar. ix. 6. ) From this time the their discontent for a time. After he returned to
Sicilians appear to have changed their policy, and Rome, and was preparing to resume operations in
being freed from all immediate apprehensions from the field (8. c. 208), he was detained for some time
Marcellus, they endeavoured to conciliate his by unfavourable omens and the religious ceremonies
favour by every kind of honour and flattery: the deemed necessary, in order to avert the evils thus
Syracusans placed their city under the patronage threatened. At length he once more took the
of himself and his descendants, erected statues to command of the army at Venusia, and being joined
him, and instituted an annual festival, called the by his colleague Crispinus from Bruttium, they
Marcellea, which continued to be celebrated down encamped with their combined forces between Ve
to the time of Verres. (Liv. xxvi. 32 ; Plut. Marc. nusia and Bantia. Hannibal's camp was at a short
23; Cic. in Verr. ij. 21, 63. )
distance from them ; between the two armies lay
Marcellus now joined the army in Apulia, where a wooded hill, which the two consuls imprudently
he was soon after enabled to strike an important proceeded to reconnoitre, escorted only by a small
blow, by the conquest of Salapia, which was be body of horse, and in so doing fell into an ambus-
trayed into his hands by Blasius, one of the prin- cade of Numidians. A sharp skirmish ensued, but
cipal citizens of the place (Blasius), and this the Romans being far inferior in number, were
success was followed by the capture of two cities in quickly dispersed or put to the sword : Marcellus
Samnium, which had been occupied by Carthaginian himself was run through the body with a spear,
garrisons. Meanwhile, Hannibal had surprised and and killed on the spot: his colleague was with
destroyed the army of Cn. Fulvius at Herdonea ; difficulty carried off the field severely wounded.
whereupon Marcellus hastened to oppose him, and Hannibal displayed a generous sympathy for the
check his victorious career. The two armies met fate of his fallen foe, and caused all due honours to
near Numistro in Lucania, and a battle ensued, be paid to his lifeless remains. (Liv. xxvii. 21-
apparently without any decisive result, though the 23, 25—28 ; Plut. Marc. 28–30; Polyb. x. 32;
Romans claimed a victory ; and the remainder of Appian, Annib. 50 ; Zonar. ix. 9 ; Val. Max. i. 6.
the campaign was occupied with unimportant $ 9. )
movements, Marcellus continuing to follow the There are few characters in Roman history of
steps of his wary antagonist, but carefully avoiding which the picture transmitted to us has been more
an engagement. So important, however, did he disfigured by partiality than that of Marcellus.
deem it not to lose sight for a moment of the Car- Almost the whole account of his military operations
thaginian general, that he declined to repair to against Hannibal has been so perverted, that it is
Rome even in order to hold the comitia, and in difficult now to arrive at the truth ; but it is start-
consequence, by direction of the senate, named ling to find, after reading in Livy or Plutarch the
Q. Fulvius dictator for that purpose. (Liv. xxvi. details of his numerous victories over the Car-
38, xxvii. 1-5; Plut. Marc. 24, 25 ; Appian, thaginian general, that Polybius expressly denied
Annib. 45–47 ; Zonar. ix. 7; Val. Max. iii. 8. he had ever defeated Hannibal at all. (Plut. Comp.
ext. § 1. )
Pelop. c. Marc. 1 ; and see Polyb. xv. 11. ) The
During the following year (209) he retained the ambiguous character of many of his alleged victories
command of his army with the rank of proconsul, has been indeed already adverted to, and is suf-
in order that he might co-operate with the two ficiently apparent even from the accounts of the
consuls of the year, Fabius Maximus and Fulvius Romans themselves. It seems probable that many
Flaccus, against Hannibal. At the opening of the of these exaggerations have found their way into
campaign he was the first to oppose the Carthaginian history from the funeral oration of Marcellus by
general, whom he found near Canusium ; and in the his son, which we know to have been used as an
neighbourhood of that city, according to the Romanſ authority by some of the earlier annalists. (Lir.
historians, there ensued three successive actions xxvii. 27. ) Still more unfounded is the reputation
between the two arinies. Of these the first was a he seems to have obtained for clemency and hu-
5. M
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1
## p. 931 (#947) ############################################
MARCELLUS.
MARCELLUS.
931
.
1113
AQUINO
MARCELLVS
COIN OF MARCELLUS.
manity. According to Livy's own account, he | Paetus : they rendered their magistracy, conspi-
alienated the minds of the Sicilians by his cruel cuous by the quantity of corn that they imported
executions at Leontini; and he approved of, though at a cheap rate from Africa, as well as by the
he did not order, the barbarous massacre at Enna. magnificence with which they celebrated the Ro-
The feelings with which he inspired the whole of man games. (Liv. xxxi. 50. ) In B. c. 198 he
the Sicilian Greeks may be gathered from their was elected one of the praetors, and obtained Sicily
expression reported by Livy, that it would be as his province, with a force of 4000 foot and 300
better for the island to be sunk in the sea, or horse, but his services were confined to the send-
overwhelmed by the flames of Aetna, than to be ing supplies to the Roman armies in Greece. (Id.
placed once more at the mercy of Marcellus. (Liv. xxxii. 8, 27. ) After the customary interval of two
Xxvi. 29; comp. Appian, Sic. 4, 5. ) It is admitted years he obtained the consulship, with L. Furius
even by Plutarch (his most unqualified panegyrist) Purpurco, B. c. 196. (Id. xxxiii. 24 ; Fast. Capit. )
that he was illiterate and imperfectly educated ; His great object was to obtain the renewal or con-
and his character may be summed up as that of a tinuation of the Macedonian war, to which an end
rude, stern soldier, brave and daring to excess, but had just been put by Flamininus ; but this was
harsh and unyielding, and wanting alike the more frustrated by the people, who ratified the pence
graceful qualities which adorned the character of which the latter had concluded with Philip ; and
Scipio and the prudence necessary to constitute a Marcellus was compelled to content himself with
truly great general.
the conduct of the war in Cisalpine Gaul. Here
The head on the obverse of the annexed coin he at first met with a defeat from the Boians, but
(struck by P. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus) is this was soon compensated by a brilliant victory
unquestionably that of the conqueror of Syracuse : over the Insubrians, and the conquest of the im-
the reverse represents him carrying the spolia portant town of Comum. Besides this, in conjunc-
opima to the temple of Jupiter Feretrius.
tion with his colleague, Purpureo, he obtained
some advantages over the Boians and Liguriang :
and on his return to Rome was, by unanimous con-
sent, honoured with a triumph. (Liv. xxxiii. 25,
36, 37 ; Polyb. xviii. 25. ) In the same year he
was appointed pontifex, in the room of C. Sempro-
nius Tuditanus. (Liv. xxxiii. 42. ) In B. c. 193
he again served in Cisalpine Gaul as one of the
lieutenants of the consul L. Cornelius Merula, and
took part in the great victory he obtained over the
Boians. (Id. xxxv. 5, 8. ) In B. C. 189 he ob
tained the censorship in conjunction with T. Fla-
5. M. CLAUDIUS M. F. M. N. MARCELLUS, son mininus, an honour which was enhanced in this
of the preceding, was remarkable as a youth for his instance by the number of distinguished competitors
personal beauty, as well as for his modest and over whom they obtained the preference. Their
engaging demeanour. The insult offered him by census was marked by the first admission of the
Scantilius, and the punishment inflicted on the people of Formiae, Fundi, and Arpinum, to the full
latter by the elder Marcellus, have been already ad- rights Roman citizens. (Liv. xxxvii. 58, xxxviii.
verted to (p. 297, b). In B. c. 208 he accompanied 28, 36.
) From this time we hear no more of him
his father as military tribune, and was one of till his death, in B. c. 177. (Id. xli. 13. )
those present with him at the time of his death. 6. M. CLAUDIUS M. f. M. N. MARCELLUS,
He was himself badly wounded in the skirmish in probably a brother of the preceding, though bearing
which the elder Marcellus fell, notwithstanding the same praenomen, was consul in B. c. 183, with
which, we find him shortly after entrusted by the Q. Fabius Labeo. (Liv. xxxix. 44; Fast. Capit. )
consul Crispinus with the charge of conducting the It seems probable that he is the same person who
troops of his father's army into safe quarters at | is mentioned (Liv. xxxix. 23) as one of the praetors
Venusia. (Liv. xxvii. 27, 29 ; Polyb. x. 32; Plut. two years before (B. C. 185), though his name is
Marc. 28-30. ) On his return to Rome, he there written in many of the editions and MSS. of
received from Hannibal the ashes of his father, Livy Marcellinus. Liguria was assigned to both
over which he pronounced his funeral oration, a the consuls as their province; but the arms of Mar-
composition which Caelius Antipater already re- cellus were in fact directed against a body of Gauls
garded as unworthy of credit in an historical point who had lately crossed the Alps, and settled theni-
of view (Liv. xxvii. 27), though it may well be selves in the territory of Aquileia. They, however,
suspected to be the source from whence have submitted on the approach of the consul, were dis-
emanated many of the misrepresentations and ex. armed, and compelled to return across the moun-
aggerations which have disfigured the history of tains. After this he carried his arms into Istria,
the elder Marcellus.
but apparently effected little, and was soon obliged
In B. c. 205 he dedicated the temple of Virtus, to return to Rome to hold the comitia. (Liv.
near the Porta Capena, which had been vowed by xxxix. 45, 54–56. ) He held the sacerdotal office
his father, but was still unfinished at the time of of decemvir sacrorum, and died in B. c. 169. (Liv.
his death (Liv. xxix. 11); and the following year xliv. 18. )
(204) he held the office of tribune of the people. 7. M. CLAUDIUS MARCELLUS, praetor in B. C.
In this capacity he was one of those appointed to 188, in which office he ordered two Romans of
accompany the praetor, M. Pomponius Matho, to noble birth, who had been guilty of an outrage
inquire into the charge of sacrilege brought by the towards the Carthaginian ambassadors, to be given
Locrians against Scipio, as well as his lieutenant, up to that people. (Liv. xxxviii. 35, 42. ) Some
Pleminius. (Liv. xxix. 20. ) Four years later writers consider that it is this Marcellus, and not
(B. C. 200) he was curule aedile with Sex. Aelius the praetor of 185, who became consul-in 183.
3 0 2
## p. 932 (#948) ############################################
932
MARCELLUS.
MARCELLUS.
:
8. M. CLAUDIUS M. P. M. N. MARCELLUS, son Clodius in B. C. 56. (Cic. ad Att. iv. 3. ) In
of No. 5, conspicuous for his three consulships. February of that year he defended Milo, at Cicero's
He succeeded his father as pontifex in B. c. 177, request, against the charge of violence brought
though he had not then held any of the higher against him by Clodius. (Cic. ad Q. Fr. ii. 3. )
offices of the state. (Liv. xli. 13. ) In 169 he in 54 he was one of the six advocates who de-
was appointed praetor, and Spain assigned him for fended the cause of M. Scaurus (Ascon. ad Scaur.
his province. (Id. xliii
. 11, 15. ) Three years p. 20, ed. Orell. ); and after the death of Clodius
later he obtained his first consulslip, B. C. 166, (B. C. 52), took a prominent part in the defence of
which was marked by a victory over the Alpine Milo. (Id. ad Milon. pp. 35, 40, 41. ) In the
tribes of the Gauls, for which he was honoured same year he was elected consul, together with
with a triumph. (Liv. xlv. 44, Epit. xlvi. ; Fast Ser. Sulpicius Rufus, for the ensuing year. For
Capit. ) His second consulship, in B. c. 155, was, this distinction he was probably indebted to the
in like manner, distinguished by a triumph over support and favour of Pompey; and during the
the Ligurians (Fast. Capit. ); but we know nothing period of his magistracy (B. C. 51) he showed himself
farther of his exploits on either of these occasions. a zenlous partisan of the latter, and sought to secure
In B. c. 152 he was a third time raised to the con- his favour by urging the senate to extreme mea-
sulship, together with L. Valerius Flaccus, and ap- bures against Caesar. Among other modes in
pointed to conduct the war in Spain. Here he which he displayed his zeal, was the very indis-
obtained some successes over the Celtiberians ; and creet one of causing a citizen of Comum to be
having added to the impression thus produced by scourged, in order to show his contempt for the
the clemency with which he treated the van- privileges lately bestowed by Caesar upon that
quished, he induced all the tribes at that time in colony. (Cic. ad Att. v. 11; Appian, B. C. ii.
arms to give hostages, and send ambassadors to | 26 ; Suet. Cacs. 28. ) But his vehemence gradually
Rome to sue for peace ; but his conduct was attri- abated, as he found himself opposed by his colleague
buted to indolence or timidity: the senate refused Sulpicius and several of the tribunes, while Pompey
to ratify the proposed terms, and appointed L. himself lent him no active support, and even dis-
Lucullus, one of the new consuls, to succeed Mar- tinctly refused to second him in his proposition for
cellus, and continue the war. Meanwhile, Mar- the immediate abrogation of Caesar's authority.
cellus, after an expedition against the Lusitanians, But the election of the new consuls terminated
in which he had reduced the strong town of Ner- favourably to the party of Pompey ; and at length,
gobriga, had returned to winter at Corduba ; but on the 30th of September, Marcellus procured a
on learning the resolution of the senate, he sud- resolution of the senate, that the whole subject
denly broke up his winter-quarters, and marched should be brought under discussion on the 1st of
into the country of the Celtiberians ; whereupon March in the following year. After this no further
all those tribes who had been previously in arms steps were taken before the expiration of his office.
hastened to submit at discretion ; a result previously (Suet. Caes. 28, 29; Dion Cass. xl. 58, 59; Ap-
concerted, as it was suspected, with the consul pian, B. C. ii. 26 ; Caes. B. G. vii. 53; Cic. ad
bimself, who admitted them to favourable terms, Att. viii. 3; Caelius, ud Fam. viii. 1, 8, 10, 13. )
while he bad the satisfaction of handing over the But all the party zeal and animosity of Marcellus
province to his successor in a state of perfect tran- did not blind him to the obvious imprudence of
quillity. (Appian, Hisp. 48–50; Polyb. xxxv. forcing on a war for which they were unprepared ;
2, 3; Liv. Epit. xlviii. , Eutrop. iv. 9. ) The ad- and hence, as it became evident that an open rup-
ministration of Marcellus in Spain was farther dis- ture was inevitable, he endeavoured to moderate
tinguished by the foundation of the important the vehemence of bis own party. Thus, in B. C.
colony of Corduba. (Strab. iii. p. 141. ) In 148 50, we find him urging the senate to interpose their
he was sent ambassador to Masinissa, king of Nu- authority with the tribunes to induce them to
midia, but was shipwrecked on the voyage, and withdraw their opposition (Cic. ad Fam. viii. 13);
perished. (Liv. Epit. L. ; Cic. in Pison.
the effect of alienating the minds of all the other ing year (211) seems to have been devoted to the
Sicilians. (Liv. xxiv. 35—39 ; Plut. Marc. 18. ) settlement of affairs in Sicily; but it is strange
Meanwhile, the blockade of Syracuse had been that Marcellus does not seem to have made any
prolonged far on into the summer of 212, nor did efforts to put an end altogether to the war in that
there appear any prospect of its termination, as the island before he returned to Rome, and when
communications of the besieged by sea were almost towards the close of the summer he resigned the
entirely open. In this state of things Marcellus command of the province to the praetor M. Cor.
fortunately discovered a part of the walls more nelius, Mutines was still in arms, and Agrigentum
accessible than the rest, and having prepared still in the possession of the Carthaginians. On
scaling ladders, effected an entrance at this point this account the senate refused him the honours of
during the night which followed a great festival, a triumph, notwithstanding his great successes, and
and thus made himself master of the Epipolae. he was obliged to content himself with the inferior
The two quarters called Tyche and Neapolis were distinction of an ovation. Previous to this, how-
now at his mercy, and were given up to plunder ; ever, he celebrated with great magnificence a tri-
but Epicydes still held the island citadel, and the umphal procession to the temple of Jupiter on the
important quarter of Achradina, which formed two Alban Mount, and even his ovation was rendered
separate and strong fortresses. Marcellus, how- more conspicuous than most triumphs by the nun-
30
racuse.
VOL. II.
## p. 930 (#946) ############################################
930
MARCELLUS.
MARCELLUS.
erects
be cio no
The bea
betzer is
Tervbe
paced of
Een by
as Ls
21
gracef!
Sapro a:
Thel
(strica
rzesti
her and magnificence of the spoils brought from drawn battle, in the second the Romans were de
Syracuse. (Liv. xxvi. 21 ; Plut. Marc. 20, 22. ) feated with heavy loss, and in the third they are
Shortly after his triumph he was elected for the said to have gained a complete victory ; notwith-
fourth time consul, together with M. Valerius standing which, Hannibal drew off his army un-
Laevinus. But scarcely had he entered on his molested towards Bruttium, while Marcellus was
office (B. C. 210) when he had to encounter a storm unable to follow him, on account of the number of
of indignation, raised against him by his proceed- his wounded. So severe indeed had been bis
ings in Sicily. Notwithstanding the praises be- losses, that he shut himself up within the walls of
stowed by the Roman writers, and still more by Venusia, and remained there in perfect inactivity
Plutarch (Marc. 20; and see Cic. in Verr. ii. 2, during the remainder of the scason, while Han-
iv. 52, 54), upon his moderation and clemency, it nibal moved up and down throughout the south of
is evident that his conduct was considered by Italy without opposition. Such conduct could not
many, even of his own countrymen, as having been fail to give much dissatisfaction at Rome ; and it
unnecessarily harsh. Deputies from the Sicilian was even proposed by one of the tribunes that
cities now appeared at Rome, to lay their complaints Marcellus should be deprived of his command.
before the senate, where they met with powerful | But on hearing of this motion he immediately
support ; and though the governing body was hastened to Rome, and defended himself so suc-
unwilling to cast a slur upon Marcellus, and de cessfully, that he was not only absolved from all
termined to ratify his past acts, yet the entreaties blame, but elected consul for the ensuing year,
of the Sicilians 80 far prevailed, that the two together with T. Quintius Crispinus. (Liv. xxvii.
consuls exchanged provinces, and it was arranged 7, 12–14, 20, 21 ; Plut. Marc. 25–27. )
that Marcellus, to whose lot Sicily had previously Before he entered on this, his fifth consulship,
fallen, should take the command in Italy against he was sent into Etruria to appease a threatened
Hannibal. (Liv. xxvi. 22, 26, 29-32 ; Plut revolt of the Arretians, and succeeded in quieting
Murc. 23; Zonar. ix. 6. ) From this time the their discontent for a time. After he returned to
Sicilians appear to have changed their policy, and Rome, and was preparing to resume operations in
being freed from all immediate apprehensions from the field (8. c. 208), he was detained for some time
Marcellus, they endeavoured to conciliate his by unfavourable omens and the religious ceremonies
favour by every kind of honour and flattery: the deemed necessary, in order to avert the evils thus
Syracusans placed their city under the patronage threatened. At length he once more took the
of himself and his descendants, erected statues to command of the army at Venusia, and being joined
him, and instituted an annual festival, called the by his colleague Crispinus from Bruttium, they
Marcellea, which continued to be celebrated down encamped with their combined forces between Ve
to the time of Verres. (Liv. xxvi. 32 ; Plut. Marc. nusia and Bantia. Hannibal's camp was at a short
23; Cic. in Verr. ij. 21, 63. )
distance from them ; between the two armies lay
Marcellus now joined the army in Apulia, where a wooded hill, which the two consuls imprudently
he was soon after enabled to strike an important proceeded to reconnoitre, escorted only by a small
blow, by the conquest of Salapia, which was be body of horse, and in so doing fell into an ambus-
trayed into his hands by Blasius, one of the prin- cade of Numidians. A sharp skirmish ensued, but
cipal citizens of the place (Blasius), and this the Romans being far inferior in number, were
success was followed by the capture of two cities in quickly dispersed or put to the sword : Marcellus
Samnium, which had been occupied by Carthaginian himself was run through the body with a spear,
garrisons. Meanwhile, Hannibal had surprised and and killed on the spot: his colleague was with
destroyed the army of Cn. Fulvius at Herdonea ; difficulty carried off the field severely wounded.
whereupon Marcellus hastened to oppose him, and Hannibal displayed a generous sympathy for the
check his victorious career. The two armies met fate of his fallen foe, and caused all due honours to
near Numistro in Lucania, and a battle ensued, be paid to his lifeless remains. (Liv. xxvii. 21-
apparently without any decisive result, though the 23, 25—28 ; Plut. Marc. 28–30; Polyb. x. 32;
Romans claimed a victory ; and the remainder of Appian, Annib. 50 ; Zonar. ix. 9 ; Val. Max. i. 6.
the campaign was occupied with unimportant $ 9. )
movements, Marcellus continuing to follow the There are few characters in Roman history of
steps of his wary antagonist, but carefully avoiding which the picture transmitted to us has been more
an engagement. So important, however, did he disfigured by partiality than that of Marcellus.
deem it not to lose sight for a moment of the Car- Almost the whole account of his military operations
thaginian general, that he declined to repair to against Hannibal has been so perverted, that it is
Rome even in order to hold the comitia, and in difficult now to arrive at the truth ; but it is start-
consequence, by direction of the senate, named ling to find, after reading in Livy or Plutarch the
Q. Fulvius dictator for that purpose. (Liv. xxvi. details of his numerous victories over the Car-
38, xxvii. 1-5; Plut. Marc. 24, 25 ; Appian, thaginian general, that Polybius expressly denied
Annib. 45–47 ; Zonar. ix. 7; Val. Max. iii. 8. he had ever defeated Hannibal at all. (Plut. Comp.
ext. § 1. )
Pelop. c. Marc. 1 ; and see Polyb. xv. 11. ) The
During the following year (209) he retained the ambiguous character of many of his alleged victories
command of his army with the rank of proconsul, has been indeed already adverted to, and is suf-
in order that he might co-operate with the two ficiently apparent even from the accounts of the
consuls of the year, Fabius Maximus and Fulvius Romans themselves. It seems probable that many
Flaccus, against Hannibal. At the opening of the of these exaggerations have found their way into
campaign he was the first to oppose the Carthaginian history from the funeral oration of Marcellus by
general, whom he found near Canusium ; and in the his son, which we know to have been used as an
neighbourhood of that city, according to the Romanſ authority by some of the earlier annalists. (Lir.
historians, there ensued three successive actions xxvii. 27. ) Still more unfounded is the reputation
between the two arinies. Of these the first was a he seems to have obtained for clemency and hu-
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## p. 931 (#947) ############################################
MARCELLUS.
MARCELLUS.
931
.
1113
AQUINO
MARCELLVS
COIN OF MARCELLUS.
manity. According to Livy's own account, he | Paetus : they rendered their magistracy, conspi-
alienated the minds of the Sicilians by his cruel cuous by the quantity of corn that they imported
executions at Leontini; and he approved of, though at a cheap rate from Africa, as well as by the
he did not order, the barbarous massacre at Enna. magnificence with which they celebrated the Ro-
The feelings with which he inspired the whole of man games. (Liv. xxxi. 50. ) In B. c. 198 he
the Sicilian Greeks may be gathered from their was elected one of the praetors, and obtained Sicily
expression reported by Livy, that it would be as his province, with a force of 4000 foot and 300
better for the island to be sunk in the sea, or horse, but his services were confined to the send-
overwhelmed by the flames of Aetna, than to be ing supplies to the Roman armies in Greece. (Id.
placed once more at the mercy of Marcellus. (Liv. xxxii. 8, 27. ) After the customary interval of two
Xxvi. 29; comp. Appian, Sic. 4, 5. ) It is admitted years he obtained the consulship, with L. Furius
even by Plutarch (his most unqualified panegyrist) Purpurco, B. c. 196. (Id. xxxiii. 24 ; Fast. Capit. )
that he was illiterate and imperfectly educated ; His great object was to obtain the renewal or con-
and his character may be summed up as that of a tinuation of the Macedonian war, to which an end
rude, stern soldier, brave and daring to excess, but had just been put by Flamininus ; but this was
harsh and unyielding, and wanting alike the more frustrated by the people, who ratified the pence
graceful qualities which adorned the character of which the latter had concluded with Philip ; and
Scipio and the prudence necessary to constitute a Marcellus was compelled to content himself with
truly great general.
the conduct of the war in Cisalpine Gaul. Here
The head on the obverse of the annexed coin he at first met with a defeat from the Boians, but
(struck by P. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus) is this was soon compensated by a brilliant victory
unquestionably that of the conqueror of Syracuse : over the Insubrians, and the conquest of the im-
the reverse represents him carrying the spolia portant town of Comum. Besides this, in conjunc-
opima to the temple of Jupiter Feretrius.
tion with his colleague, Purpureo, he obtained
some advantages over the Boians and Liguriang :
and on his return to Rome was, by unanimous con-
sent, honoured with a triumph. (Liv. xxxiii. 25,
36, 37 ; Polyb. xviii. 25. ) In the same year he
was appointed pontifex, in the room of C. Sempro-
nius Tuditanus. (Liv. xxxiii. 42. ) In B. c. 193
he again served in Cisalpine Gaul as one of the
lieutenants of the consul L. Cornelius Merula, and
took part in the great victory he obtained over the
Boians. (Id. xxxv. 5, 8. ) In B. C. 189 he ob
tained the censorship in conjunction with T. Fla-
5. M. CLAUDIUS M. F. M. N. MARCELLUS, son mininus, an honour which was enhanced in this
of the preceding, was remarkable as a youth for his instance by the number of distinguished competitors
personal beauty, as well as for his modest and over whom they obtained the preference. Their
engaging demeanour. The insult offered him by census was marked by the first admission of the
Scantilius, and the punishment inflicted on the people of Formiae, Fundi, and Arpinum, to the full
latter by the elder Marcellus, have been already ad- rights Roman citizens. (Liv. xxxvii. 58, xxxviii.
verted to (p. 297, b). In B. c. 208 he accompanied 28, 36.
) From this time we hear no more of him
his father as military tribune, and was one of till his death, in B. c. 177. (Id. xli. 13. )
those present with him at the time of his death. 6. M. CLAUDIUS M. f. M. N. MARCELLUS,
He was himself badly wounded in the skirmish in probably a brother of the preceding, though bearing
which the elder Marcellus fell, notwithstanding the same praenomen, was consul in B. c. 183, with
which, we find him shortly after entrusted by the Q. Fabius Labeo. (Liv. xxxix. 44; Fast. Capit. )
consul Crispinus with the charge of conducting the It seems probable that he is the same person who
troops of his father's army into safe quarters at | is mentioned (Liv. xxxix. 23) as one of the praetors
Venusia. (Liv. xxvii. 27, 29 ; Polyb. x. 32; Plut. two years before (B. C. 185), though his name is
Marc. 28-30. ) On his return to Rome, he there written in many of the editions and MSS. of
received from Hannibal the ashes of his father, Livy Marcellinus. Liguria was assigned to both
over which he pronounced his funeral oration, a the consuls as their province; but the arms of Mar-
composition which Caelius Antipater already re- cellus were in fact directed against a body of Gauls
garded as unworthy of credit in an historical point who had lately crossed the Alps, and settled theni-
of view (Liv. xxvii. 27), though it may well be selves in the territory of Aquileia. They, however,
suspected to be the source from whence have submitted on the approach of the consul, were dis-
emanated many of the misrepresentations and ex. armed, and compelled to return across the moun-
aggerations which have disfigured the history of tains. After this he carried his arms into Istria,
the elder Marcellus.
but apparently effected little, and was soon obliged
In B. c. 205 he dedicated the temple of Virtus, to return to Rome to hold the comitia. (Liv.
near the Porta Capena, which had been vowed by xxxix. 45, 54–56. ) He held the sacerdotal office
his father, but was still unfinished at the time of of decemvir sacrorum, and died in B. c. 169. (Liv.
his death (Liv. xxix. 11); and the following year xliv. 18. )
(204) he held the office of tribune of the people. 7. M. CLAUDIUS MARCELLUS, praetor in B. C.
In this capacity he was one of those appointed to 188, in which office he ordered two Romans of
accompany the praetor, M. Pomponius Matho, to noble birth, who had been guilty of an outrage
inquire into the charge of sacrilege brought by the towards the Carthaginian ambassadors, to be given
Locrians against Scipio, as well as his lieutenant, up to that people. (Liv. xxxviii. 35, 42. ) Some
Pleminius. (Liv. xxix. 20. ) Four years later writers consider that it is this Marcellus, and not
(B. C. 200) he was curule aedile with Sex. Aelius the praetor of 185, who became consul-in 183.
3 0 2
## p. 932 (#948) ############################################
932
MARCELLUS.
MARCELLUS.
:
8. M. CLAUDIUS M. P. M. N. MARCELLUS, son Clodius in B. C. 56. (Cic. ad Att. iv. 3. ) In
of No. 5, conspicuous for his three consulships. February of that year he defended Milo, at Cicero's
He succeeded his father as pontifex in B. c. 177, request, against the charge of violence brought
though he had not then held any of the higher against him by Clodius. (Cic. ad Q. Fr. ii. 3. )
offices of the state. (Liv. xli. 13. ) In 169 he in 54 he was one of the six advocates who de-
was appointed praetor, and Spain assigned him for fended the cause of M. Scaurus (Ascon. ad Scaur.
his province. (Id. xliii
. 11, 15. ) Three years p. 20, ed. Orell. ); and after the death of Clodius
later he obtained his first consulslip, B. C. 166, (B. C. 52), took a prominent part in the defence of
which was marked by a victory over the Alpine Milo. (Id. ad Milon. pp. 35, 40, 41. ) In the
tribes of the Gauls, for which he was honoured same year he was elected consul, together with
with a triumph. (Liv. xlv. 44, Epit. xlvi. ; Fast Ser. Sulpicius Rufus, for the ensuing year. For
Capit. ) His second consulship, in B. c. 155, was, this distinction he was probably indebted to the
in like manner, distinguished by a triumph over support and favour of Pompey; and during the
the Ligurians (Fast. Capit. ); but we know nothing period of his magistracy (B. C. 51) he showed himself
farther of his exploits on either of these occasions. a zenlous partisan of the latter, and sought to secure
In B. c. 152 he was a third time raised to the con- his favour by urging the senate to extreme mea-
sulship, together with L. Valerius Flaccus, and ap- bures against Caesar. Among other modes in
pointed to conduct the war in Spain. Here he which he displayed his zeal, was the very indis-
obtained some successes over the Celtiberians ; and creet one of causing a citizen of Comum to be
having added to the impression thus produced by scourged, in order to show his contempt for the
the clemency with which he treated the van- privileges lately bestowed by Caesar upon that
quished, he induced all the tribes at that time in colony. (Cic. ad Att. v. 11; Appian, B. C. ii.
arms to give hostages, and send ambassadors to | 26 ; Suet. Cacs. 28. ) But his vehemence gradually
Rome to sue for peace ; but his conduct was attri- abated, as he found himself opposed by his colleague
buted to indolence or timidity: the senate refused Sulpicius and several of the tribunes, while Pompey
to ratify the proposed terms, and appointed L. himself lent him no active support, and even dis-
Lucullus, one of the new consuls, to succeed Mar- tinctly refused to second him in his proposition for
cellus, and continue the war. Meanwhile, Mar- the immediate abrogation of Caesar's authority.
cellus, after an expedition against the Lusitanians, But the election of the new consuls terminated
in which he had reduced the strong town of Ner- favourably to the party of Pompey ; and at length,
gobriga, had returned to winter at Corduba ; but on the 30th of September, Marcellus procured a
on learning the resolution of the senate, he sud- resolution of the senate, that the whole subject
denly broke up his winter-quarters, and marched should be brought under discussion on the 1st of
into the country of the Celtiberians ; whereupon March in the following year. After this no further
all those tribes who had been previously in arms steps were taken before the expiration of his office.
hastened to submit at discretion ; a result previously (Suet. Caes. 28, 29; Dion Cass. xl. 58, 59; Ap-
concerted, as it was suspected, with the consul pian, B. C. ii. 26 ; Caes. B. G. vii. 53; Cic. ad
bimself, who admitted them to favourable terms, Att. viii. 3; Caelius, ud Fam. viii. 1, 8, 10, 13. )
while he bad the satisfaction of handing over the But all the party zeal and animosity of Marcellus
province to his successor in a state of perfect tran- did not blind him to the obvious imprudence of
quillity. (Appian, Hisp. 48–50; Polyb. xxxv. forcing on a war for which they were unprepared ;
2, 3; Liv. Epit. xlviii. , Eutrop. iv. 9. ) The ad- and hence, as it became evident that an open rup-
ministration of Marcellus in Spain was farther dis- ture was inevitable, he endeavoured to moderate
tinguished by the foundation of the important the vehemence of bis own party. Thus, in B. C.
colony of Corduba. (Strab. iii. p. 141. ) In 148 50, we find him urging the senate to interpose their
he was sent ambassador to Masinissa, king of Nu- authority with the tribunes to induce them to
midia, but was shipwrecked on the voyage, and withdraw their opposition (Cic. ad Fam. viii. 13);
perished. (Liv. Epit. L. ; Cic. in Pison.
