Gaius Laelius Sapiens facts for kids

Gaius Laelius Sapiens, born around 188 BC, was an important Roman statesman. He is most famous for being a close friend of the Roman general Scipio Aemilianus, also known as Scipio the Younger.

Gaius Laelius Sapiens followed in his father's footsteps. His father, also named Gaius Laelius, was a general during the Punic Wars and a consul in 190 BC. The elder Laelius was a lifelong friend and second-in-command to the famous Roman general Scipio Africanus. Young Gaius Laelius Sapiens was born after his father had become consul. His mother's name is not known.

Military Adventures

During the Third Punic War in 147 BC, Laelius joined Scipio Aemilianus in Africa. He showed great bravery during the capture of the cothon, which was the military harbor of Carthage. Later, in 145 BC, he led military actions against Viriathus in Spain, with some success.

His Political Path

Laelius wanted to become a consul in 141 BC. However, he was tricked by a new politician, Quintus Pompeius. Pompeius promised to step down from the race if Laelius did, but then Pompeius went back on his word after Laelius had already withdrawn. This meant Pompeius became consul instead.

The next year, in 140 BC, Laelius's friend Scipio Aemilianus, who was then a censor, helped him get elected as consul. This showed how strong their friendship and political alliance were.

The "Wise" Statesman

Laelius earned the nickname Sapiens, which means "wise." He was called wise because he decided not to push for big political changes that were causing a lot of arguments in the Roman Senate. These changes had been suggested by Scipio Aemilianus, but Scipio dropped them when the Senate couldn't agree.

Laelius was seen as wise because he avoided making things worse at the time. However, his choice not to take a strong stand caused some disagreements among his friends, known as the Scipionic Circle. Later, other politicians, like the Gracchi brothers, tried to bring about similar reforms.

Despite his connection to these reformers, Laelius's own political impact was not very big. He even spoke out against some of their ideas and opposed plans that would have allowed politicians called tribunes to be re-elected.

Laelius also gave important speeches. For example, he spoke against a proposal to take away the right of priestly groups to choose their own members. He also spoke up for tax collectors and even gave a speech to defend himself against criticism. He also gave speeches at funerals, including two for his dear friend Scipio.

Friends and Philosophy

Laelius was part of the Scipionic Circle. This was a group of friends and political allies who loved Greek culture and gathered around the wealthy Scipio Aemilianus. Scipio was the adopted grandson of Scipio Africanus.

Laelius studied philosophy with important thinkers like Diogenes of Babylon and Panaetius of Rhodes, who were Stoics. He was also a poet. Because Scipio Aemilianus was very rich and well-connected, he could support many Greek scholars, philosophers, and historians. This included the Greek historian Polybius and the playwright Terence.

His Family's Legacy

Laelius had two sons-in-law who both became consuls. One was Gaius Fannius, who was consul in 122 BC. The other was Quintus Mucius Scaevola Augur, who became consul in 117 BC. This younger son-in-law was a famous speaker and lawyer. He was also the teacher and mentor of a young Cicero, who would become a very famous Roman writer and politician.

Cicero learned a lot about Laelius and his friendships with important men from his mentor Scaevola Augur. Some of these friendships even inspired Cicero's own writings about friendship.

In one of Cicero's later essays, De Senectute (which means "On Old Age"), Laelius and Scipio are shown admiring Cato the Elder. They admired how well Cato handled getting older.

According to Cicero, Laelius was married to the same woman his whole life, though her name is not known. They had two daughters who survived and both married consuls. One of his daughters, Laelia Minor, was known for speaking very pure and correct Latin, as were her daughters and granddaughters.

See also

In Spanish: Cayo Lelio Sapiens para niños