Lucius Antonius (brother of Mark Antony) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lucius Antonius
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Coin from 41 BC
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| Born | c. 78 BC |
| Other names | Pietas |
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Lucius Antonius was a Roman politician who lived around 44 to 41 BC. He was the younger brother of the famous Roman leader, Mark Antony. As a young man, he was sometimes called Pietas.
Contents
Lucius Antonius: A Roman Politician
Early Life and Family
Lucius Antonius was born around 78 BC. His father was Marcus Antonius Creticus, and his mother was Julia. Julia was also a distant cousin of Julius Caesar. Lucius was also the grandson of Marcus Antonius Orator, a well-known speaker.
Lucius grew up with his older brothers, Mark Antony and Gaius Antonius. They spent their early years in Rome.
Supporting His Brother, Mark Antony
Lucius Antonius was always a strong supporter of his brother, Mark Antony.
Political Roles and Laws
In 44 BC, Mark Antony was a consul, a top Roman official. In that same year, Lucius was a tribune of the plebs. This role meant he represented the common people of Rome. He helped pass a law that allowed Julius Caesar to choose important leaders even when he was away from Rome.
After Julius Caesar was killed, Lucius continued to support his brother, Mark Antony. He suggested a law to help ordinary people and soldiers who had fought for Caesar. He also took part in battles, like the one at Mutina in 43 BC.
The Perusia Conflict
In 41 BC, Lucius Antonius became a consul alongside Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus. During this time, Mark Antony's wife, Fulvia, wanted her husband to return from Egypt. She was worried about his time with Cleopatra.
Lucius helped Fulvia gather an army of eight legions. They wanted to challenge Octavian's decisions, especially about giving land to soldiers. Many people were upset about how their land was being taken. Lucius and Fulvia then decided to stand up for those who had lost their land.
Lucius marched into Rome and removed Lepidus, another powerful leader. He promised the people that the "triumvirate" (a group of three powerful rulers, including Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus) would be ended.
However, Octavian's army approached. Lucius retreated to a city called Perusia in Etruria. Three armies surrounded Perusia, and Lucius was forced to surrender in the winter of 41 BC. The city of Perusia was destroyed. But Lucius's life was spared. Octavian sent him to Spain to be a governor. We do not know when or how he died.
See also
- Pietas
- Perusine War
