Gaius Laelius facts for kids

Gaius Laelius was a Roman general and a close friend of Scipio Africanus. He joined Scipio on his important military trips to Iberia (which is now Spain and Portugal) from 210 to 206 BC, and to Africa from 204 to 202 BC. Laelius helped Scipio win big victories by leading the Roman fleet during the attack on New Carthage and commanding the Roman cavalry at the Battle of Zama.

Early Life and Friendship

Some Roman historians, like Polybius, say that Laelius and Scipio were friends since they were children. However, we don't know much about Laelius's family. It seems his family wasn't very rich or famous. This might be why he didn't start his political career until after he returned to Rome from the wars.

Polybius also suggests that Laelius was with Scipio from their very first days in the army. Laelius was even there when Scipio supposedly saved his father during a small fight, possibly at the Battle of Ticinus in 218 BC.

Military Adventures in Iberia (210–206 BC)

During the war in Iberia, from 210 to 206 BC, Laelius was Scipio's loyal second-in-command. He was the only person Scipio trusted with all his secret plans to take over Iberia.

Capturing New Carthage

In 209 BC, Laelius led a fleet of thirty ships in the attack on Carthago Nova (New Carthage). After the city was captured, Laelius was put in charge of important hostages. Scipio sent him to Rome in a fast ship to share the exciting news of this big victory. The Roman Senate then gave Laelius new orders for Scipio, which he took back to him.

Battles and Diplomacy

Polybius says that Laelius commanded the left side of the army at the Battle of Baecula in 208 BC. Here, Scipio defeated Hasdrubal, who then left Iberia for Italy.

Laelius's role in the very important Battle of Ilipa in 206 BC isn't entirely clear. However, right after this battle, he was sent to convince the Berber King Syphax to stay allied with Rome. This mission didn't work, as Syphax only wanted to make a treaty with Scipio himself.

Later, when the city of Gades wanted to leave Carthaginian rule, Scipio sent Laelius by sea to capture it. Laelius also won a naval battle at Battle of Carteia. Towards the end of 206 BC, when Scipio got sick, there was a rebellion among the soldiers. Laelius commanded Scipio's cavalry to help stop a local revolt.

Campaigns in Africa (204–202 BC)

In 205 BC, when Scipio became consul (a top Roman official), Laelius went with him to Sicily. From there, Laelius led a scouting mission to northern Africa. The goal was to check out the situation before a full invasion.

Changing Alliances

King Syphax, who was once allied with Rome, switched sides and joined the Carthaginians. This happened because he married Sophonisba, a famous Carthaginian princess. Syphax then drove out Masinissa, another prince who was loyal to Scipio. Masinissa met Laelius during his raid and told him how urgent it was for Scipio to invade Africa.

Burning the Camps and Capturing Syphax

Around 204 BC, Scipio was ready to invade Africa. After some smaller fights, the Romans attacked the enemy camp at the Battle of Utica in 203 BC. Scipio and Laelius worked together to set fire to the Carthaginian camp.

Finally, in 203 BC, Laelius defeated King Syphax and captured the city of Cirta. He even took Syphax alive and brought him to Rome.

Victory at Zama

At the famous Battle of Zama in 202 BC, Laelius played a huge part. He commanded the Roman cavalry. His cavalry, along with Masinissa's, attacked the Carthaginians from behind at a critical moment. Many historians believe that without this cavalry charge, Scipio might have lost the battle.

Political Career

After Scipio's big victory in 202 BC, Laelius was elected quaestor (a financial official). In 197 BC, he became aedile (an official in charge of public works), and in 196 BC, he was made praetor (a judge or military commander) of Sicily. Scipio, his old friend, helped him get these positions.

Aiming for Consulship

Scipio's help, however, wasn't enough for Laelius to become consul (the highest elected office) in 192 BC. Finally, in 190 BC, he was elected consul alongside Scipio's younger brother, Scipio Asiaticus. Laelius hoped to lead the important military campaign against Antiochus III the Great, which would have made him very rich.

One story says that Laelius nobly offered the Senate the choice of who would lead the campaign, instead of drawing lots. When Scipio Africanus announced that he would go with his brother Lucius as a legate (an assistant commander) if Lucius was chosen, the Senate's decision was clear: Lucius got the command. If this story is true, Laelius chose friendship over his own wealth.

Instead, Laelius was given Gaul as his province. He worked on organizing the newly conquered land in Cisalpine Gaul and helped repopulate cities like Placentia and Cremona.

Later Years

Like other older Roman generals, Laelius later served as an ambassador. He went on missions to King Perseus of Macedon (around 174-173 BC) and to Transalpine Gaul (170 BC).

We don't know who Laelius's wife was. But around 188 BC, he had a son named Gaius Laelius Sapiens, who later became consul in 140 BC. His son's friendship with Scipio Aemilianus was very similar to Laelius the Elder's friendship with Scipio Africanus. Laelius the Younger even fought under Aemilianus in the Third Punic War.

Around 160 BC, the elderly Laelius met the historian Polybius in Rome. Laelius, who was probably in his mid-seventies, gave Polybius a lot of first-hand information about Scipio Africanus.

Laelius seems to have died some years after 160 BC, but the exact year is not known.

See also

In Spanish: Cayo Lelio (cónsul 190 a. C.) para niños