Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus (consul 58 BC) facts for kids

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus was an important Roman politician who lived a long time ago, from about 101 BC to 43 BC. He was a senator, which was like being a member of a powerful government council in ancient Rome.

Piso was also the father-in-law of the famous Roman leader Julius Caesar. His daughter, Calpurnia, married Caesar. Piso was a consul in 58 BC. A consul was one of the two highest elected officials in the Roman Republic. He was known for following a type of philosophy called Epicureanism, which was changed a bit to fit politicians.

Life and Political Career

Early Life and Family Connections

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus had a family history connected to important events. His grandfather, who was also named Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, died in 107 BC. He was killed by a group called the Tigurini. Interestingly, Julius Caesar later defeated this same group during Piso's time as consul.

Disagreements with Cicero

Because Piso was Julius Caesar's father-in-law, he was involved in some political disagreements. A famous Roman speaker named Cicero faced exile because of some actions he took. Piso chose not to protect Cicero from this punishment. This made Cicero very angry.

Cicero then strongly criticized Piso. He attacked Piso's leadership when Piso was governing the Roman province of Macedonia. Piso was in charge there from 57 BC to early 55 BC. He was eventually called back to Rome. This recall might have been because of Cicero's strong speeches against him in the Senate.

When Piso returned to Rome, he spoke in his own defense. Cicero replied with a very harsh speech known as In Pisonem. Piso wrote his own response, and the argument eventually ended. It's thought that Cicero might have been afraid to take Julius Caesar's father-in-law to court. Despite these arguments, Piso was respected enough to be chosen as a censor in 50 BC. A censor was a Roman official who kept track of citizens and public morals.

Role During the Civil War

When the Roman civil war began between Caesar and Pompey, Piso tried to help them find a peaceful solution. However, when Caesar marched his army into Rome, Piso left the city. He did this to show he disagreed with Caesar's actions.

After Julius Caesar was assassinated, Piso insisted that Caesar's will should be followed exactly. He also made sure Caesar received a public funeral. As tensions grew between Mark Antony and Octavianus (who later became Emperor Augustus), Piso tried to stay neutral. He worked to find a way for them to get along. In August of that year, he suggested a plan for peace in the Senate, but no one supported him.

Efforts for Peace

Even as fighting increased, Piso continued to work for peace. In 43 BC, the Senate debated whether to declare Mark Antony an enemy of the state. Piso spoke up twice, arguing that it wasn't legal and that they should try to compromise.

Still hoping for peace, Piso joined two other important senators on a trip to meet Antony. This meeting happened at Antony's camp in Mutina. Piso returned the next month with Antony's terms for peace. However, these terms made Cicero very angry, and the Senate rejected them. They then declared war.

Later, a second group was sent to Antony in March, and Piso was part of it. After this, we don't hear much about him. Historians believe he likely died not long after this second trip.

Interests and Connections

Piso was known for being loyal to Roman traditions. He also greatly appreciated the literature and philosophy of ancient Greece. He supported writers and thinkers, including an author named Philodemus.

It is believed that Piso owned a famous house called the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum. This villa is famous because many ancient scrolls and writings were found there.

Family Life

Piso's wife was the daughter of a man named Rutilius Nudus. Besides his daughter Calpurnia, who married Julius Caesar, Piso also had a son. His son was named Lucius Calpurnius Piso, and he was known as "the Pontifex". He became a consul in 15 BC.

Legacy and Famous Sayings

A well-known saying, fiat justitia ruat caelum, means "let justice be done, though the heavens fall." This saying is sometimes linked to Piso Caesoninus or his family. It means that justice should always be done, no matter what the consequences.

See also

In Spanish: Lucio Calpurnio Pisón Cesonino para niños