Gaius Flaminius (consul 187 BC) facts for kids
Gaius Flaminius was an important Roman leader who lived a long time ago. He was a Roman consul in 187 BC, which means he was one of the two most powerful officials in ancient Rome that year. During his time as consul, he helped bring peace to northern Italy by dealing with some local tribes.
Early Life and Career
Gaius Flaminius's father, who was also named Gaius Flaminius, was a well-known leader. He was a consul twice and was famous for trying to make things better for ordinary people. Sadly, his father died in a big battle called the battle of Lake Trasimene in 217 BC, during the Second Punic War.
Young Gaius Flaminius started his own political journey in 209 BC. He worked as a quaestor (a financial officer) for a famous general named Scipio Africanus in Spain. Later, in 196 BC, he became a curule aedile (an official in charge of public works and games). In this role, he made sure that a lot of grain was sold to the people at a very low price, which made him popular.
In 193 BC, Flaminius became a praetor (a judge or military commander). He was put in charge of a Roman province in Spain called Hispania Citerior. There, he showed his skills by successfully attacking and capturing a rich town called Litabrum. This victory proved he was a good military leader.
Time as Consul
In 187 BC, Gaius Flaminius became a Roman consul alongside another leader named Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. Their main job was to stop two Ligurian tribes, the Friniates and the Apuani, from raiding northern Italy. Flaminius led his forces and won several battles against these tribes. He managed to make them surrender, and peace returned to the region.
During his time as consul, Flaminius also oversaw an important building project. He built a new road that connected the city of Bononia to Arretium. This new road linked up with the Via Aemilia, which his colleague Lepidus had built, and the Via Cassia, which ran from Rome. This new route made it easier to travel directly between Rome and Bononia. It's important not to confuse this road with the Via Flaminia, which was built by his father.
