Gaius Trebonius facts for kids

Gaius Trebonius (born around 92 BC – died January 43 BC) was a Roman military leader and politician. He became a special kind of consul in 45 BC. Trebonius was a close friend and helper of Julius Caesar, fighting alongside him during the civil war. However, he later joined the group of people who killed Caesar.

Early Life and Political Steps

Gaius Trebonius was born around 92 BC. His father was a wealthy Roman citizen, but he hadn't held any major government jobs. This meant Trebonius was considered a "new man" (novus homo) in Roman politics, as he was the first in his family to aim for high office. Many of Caesar's friends were also "new men."

Around 60 BC, Trebonius served as a quaestor, which was a financial officer. Later, in 55 BC, he was elected plebeian tribune. This was an important job that protected the rights of ordinary Roman citizens. By this time, he had become a strong supporter of the powerful alliance known as the First Triumvirate, which included Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.

During his time as tribune, Trebonius proposed a law called the Lex Trebonia. This law gave Pompey and Crassus control over large provinces for five years. Pompey received the two Spanish provinces, and Crassus got Syria. This law also gave them the power to decide on war or peace in their areas. A famous Roman politician named Cato tried to stop the law from passing. Trebonius even had Cato arrested for a short time, but a large crowd supporting Cato led to his release. The law eventually passed.

Serving with Julius Caesar

As a reward for his loyalty, Trebonius became one of Julius Caesar's main assistants, called a legate, in 54 BC. He served with Caesar for five years during Caesar's wars in Gaul (modern-day France). Caesar was very pleased with Trebonius's work.

In 54 BC, Trebonius joined Caesar's second trip to Britain. There, he led three legions (large groups of soldiers) and helped defeat a major attack by a British leader named Cassivellaunus. After returning to Gaul, Trebonius was in charge of a legion during the winter. He also helped Caesar rescue Quintus Cicero, who was under attack during a rebellion by the Gallic leader Ambiorix.

In 53 BC, Trebonius was given a special mission to fight against the Eburones tribe. He continued to serve Caesar, and in 50 BC, he was put in charge of four legions in Gaul while Caesar was preparing for a conflict with Pompey.

The Siege of Massilia

When the civil war began, Caesar ordered Trebonius to go to Massilia (a city in modern-day France) and lead the siege of Massilia. This was a difficult task. Trebonius arrived around April 3, 49 BC, and began preparing for the siege. Caesar put Trebonius in charge of the land attacks, while another commander handled the naval forces.

Trebonius's soldiers built a large wall around the city to block it off by land. They also built ramps to reach the city walls and used tools to try to break through. In early July, Trebonius's men managed to break through a part of the wall. The people of Massilia then asked Trebonius to stop the attack until Caesar arrived, promising to surrender to him. Trebonius agreed, as Caesar had told him not to storm the city. This made his soldiers unhappy because they wanted to take over the city and get its treasures.

Later, in late August, the people of Massilia surprised Trebonius by rushing out of the city and destroying some of his siege equipment. So, Trebonius restarted the siege and weakened their defenses even more. When the Massiliots heard about Caesar's victories in Spain, they offered to surrender again. Trebonius agreed, but this time he insisted they give up their weapons, treasures, and ships. This finally ended the long siege.

Later Career and Caesar's Assassination

After the civil war, Trebonius was elected urban praetor in 48 BC. This job involved managing Caesar's new laws about debts. He had some trouble with another official, Marcus Caelius Rufus, who tried to cause problems and support people who didn't want to pay their debts. Trebonius stood firm against Rufus's ideas until Rufus left Rome.

At the end of 48 BC, Trebonius was sent to govern the province of Hispania Ulterior (part of modern-day Spain). He faced rebellious soldiers and a return of Pompey's supporters there. He was forced out of the province in 46 BC but returned later that year with Caesar.

It was during this time that Trebonius started thinking about a plot to kill Caesar. He even spoke to Marcus Antonius about it, but Antony refused to join.

Caesar appointed Trebonius as a consul on October 1, 45 BC. However, his time as consul was very short. According to the famous Roman speaker Cicero, Trebonius believed that the freedom of the Roman people was more important than his friendship with Caesar. In early 44 BC, Trebonius even dared to criticize Caesar for not standing up when the Senate came to honor him.

On March 15, 44 BC, the day Caesar was killed, Trebonius played a key role. He kept Mark Antony busy in conversation outside the Theatre of Pompey while Caesar was being stabbed inside.

After Caesar's death, Trebonius quickly left for the province of Asia, where Caesar had nominated him to be governor. While there, he gathered money and troops to support Brutus and Cassius, who were also involved in Caesar's assassination.

In January 43 BC, another Roman leader named Publius Cornelius Dolabella captured Trebonius in the city of Smyrna. Dolabella accused Trebonius of treason, tortured him, and then had him beheaded.

See also

• Assassination of Julius Caesar

Sources

• Broughton, T. Robert S., The Magistrates of the Roman Republic, Vol II (1952).
• Bringmann, Klaus, A History of the Roman Republic (2007)
• Holmes, T. Rice, The Roman Republic and the Founder of the Empire, Vol. II (1923)
• Holmes, T. Rice, The Roman Republic and the Founder of the Empire, Vol. III (1923)
• Syme, Ronald, The Roman Revolution (1939)
• Smith, William, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, Vol III (1870).