Gaius Calpurnius Piso (conspirator) facts for kids

Gaius Calpurnius Piso was an important Roman senator who lived a long time ago, in the first century AD. He is best known for leading a big secret plan called the Pisonian conspiracy in AD 65. This plan aimed to replace the powerful Emperor Nero.

Who Was Gaius Calpurnius Piso?

Piso's Family and Early Life

Gaius Calpurnius Piso was born into a very old and respected Roman family. His father was Lucius Calpurnius Piso, a consul, which was a top government official. His mother, Licinia, came from a wealthy family too. Because of his parents, Piso had connections with many important families in Rome.

Piso was very popular with people from all parts of Roman society. He was known for being tall, handsome, and friendly. He was also a great speaker in court, helping people with their legal problems.

Piso's Talents and Interests

Piso had many different hobbies and talents. He enjoyed singing on stage and writing poetry. He was also very good at a Roman board game called Latrunculi, which was similar to chess. He even owned a beautiful house, called Villa Pisoni, in a place called Baiae.

Although he was well-liked, some people, like the historian Tacitus, said that Piso sometimes seemed more interested in showing off than being truly serious.

The Pisonian Conspiracy Against Nero

Becoming a Powerful Senator

After a difficult time when he was sent away from Rome by Emperor Caligula, Piso returned to the city. He became a powerful senator during the rule of Emperor Nero. A senator was a member of the Roman Senate, a group of important leaders who advised the emperor and made laws.

The Plot to Replace the Emperor

By AD 65, many senators and other important Romans were unhappy with Emperor Nero. They felt he was not ruling Rome well. The city had also suffered a terrible event, the Great Fire of Rome, which made people even more upset.

Because of this widespread anger, different groups of people who wanted to change things came together. They chose Gaius Calpurnius Piso to lead them in a secret plan. Their goal was to remove Emperor Nero from power. This secret plan became known as the Pisonian conspiracy.

The Conspiracy Is Discovered

On April 19, AD 65, a former slave named Milichus told the emperor about Piso's plan. All the people involved in the conspiracy were arrested. In the end, 19 people were put to death, and 13 others were sent away from Rome. This showed how big and serious the conspiracy was.

Piso's own properties, including his house in Baiae, were taken by the emperor. Piso died in AD 65 because of his involvement in the plot. His son, Calpurnius Piso Galerianus, was also later put to death for opposing a different emperor.

Piso's Lasting Influence

Gaius Calpurnius Piso is remembered in Roman history mainly because of the conspiracy he led. He is also thought to be the "Meliboeus" mentioned by the poet Calpurnius Siculus. There is even an old poem called De laude Pisonis (On the praise of Piso), which praises him.

See also

In Spanish: Cayo Calpurnio Pisón para niños

• Calpurnii Pisones

Sources

• Theodor Mommsen. The History of Rome, Book IV at Project Gutenberg