Gaius Norbanus Flaccus (consul 38 BC) facts for kids

Gaius Norbanus Flaccus was an important Roman politician and general. He lived during the 1st century BC.

His family came from the Etruscan people. Gaius Norbanus Flaccus was the grandson of another famous Roman, Gaius Norbanus. His family had faced tough times under Lucius Cornelius Sulla. But they became favored again under Julius Caesar. After Caesar's death, Flaccus supported Octavianus, who was Caesar's adopted son.

Early Career and the Civil War

Gaius Norbanus Flaccus became a praetor in 43 BC. A praetor was a high-ranking official in ancient Rome. After the Second Triumvirate was formed, a civil war began. This war was against the "Liberatores," who were Caesar's assassins.

In 42 BC, Norbanus and another general, Decidius Saxa, were sent to Macedonia. They led eight legions for Marcus Antonius and Octavianus. Their mission was to fight Caesar's killers.

Holding the Mountain Passes

Norbanus and Saxa were told to quickly march to Thrace. They needed to hold the mountain passes there. This would block the important road called the Via Egnatia. They met the armies of Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus near Philippi.

Norbanus and Saxa had fewer soldiers. So, they took a strong position near Philippi. This stopped Brutus and Cassius from moving forward. Brutus and Cassius tried to trick Norbanus into leaving his good spot. Norbanus realized the trap in time and got back to his position.

Retreat and Reinforcements

When Brutus and Cassius managed to get around them, Norbanus and Saxa pulled back. They retreated towards Amphipolis. Soon, Marcus Antonius arrived with the main part of the triumvirs' army.

They found Amphipolis well-protected. Norbanus was put in charge of defending the town. After the big Battle of Philippi, Octavianus gave Norbanus another important job. He placed Norbanus in charge of his military camp.

Achievements and Later Life

After the victory at Philippi, Norbanus gained a lot of respect. He was part of a very successful military campaign. As a reward for his good service, Octavianus made Norbanus a consul in 38 BC.

Consulship and Triumph

He served as consul with Appius Claudius Pulcher. They were the first consuls to have two Quaestors each. A quaestor was another type of Roman official, often dealing with money.

After his consulship, Norbanus became a proconsul in Spain. He held this position from 36 to 34 BC. For his success there, he celebrated a triumph on October 12, 34 BC. A triumph was a grand parade to celebrate a military victory.

Proconsul of Asia

Later, Norbanus was appointed proconsul of Asia. This happened shortly after the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. This was another very important role in the Roman Empire.

Family Life

Gaius Norbanus Flaccus was married to a daughter of Lucius Cornelius Balbus the Younger. He had at least one son, who was also named Gaius Norbanus Flaccus.

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