Lucius Cornelius Balbus (consul 40 BC) facts for kids

Lucius Cornelius Balbus was an important Roman politician and businessman. He was born in Gades (which is now Cádiz in Spain) around the early 100s BC. Balbus came from a Punic family, but he became a very rich and powerful Roman citizen. He played a big part in the rise of the Principate, which was the first period of the Roman Empire when emperors like Augustus ruled. Balbus was a strong supporter of Julius Caesar and a trusted helper for Augustus.

His Early Life and Career

Balbus worked in Hispania (modern-day Spain) for Roman generals like Pompey and Metellus Pius. He helped them fight against a rebel leader named Sertorius. Because of his good service, Pompey gave Balbus and his family Roman citizenship. This was a big deal because it meant they had all the rights of a Roman.

In 71 BC, Balbus went back to Rome with Pompey. He became one of Pompey's closest friends. Balbus also became good friends with Julius Caesar, who trusted him a lot. His friendships with both Pompey and Caesar were very important. They helped form the First Triumvirate, which was a powerful alliance between Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus. Balbus was also a major financier, meaning he handled a lot of money in Rome.

Working with Julius Caesar

Balbus worked for Caesar as a chief engineer (called praefectus fabrum). This was when Caesar was a governor in Hispania in 61 BC and later in Gaul in 58 BC.

Because Balbus was a naturalized citizen (meaning he wasn't born Roman but became one), and because he was so rich and influential, he had many enemies. In 56 BC, some people from Gades tried to accuse him of pretending to be a Roman citizen illegally. This charge was also aimed at the three powerful leaders (the Triumvirs). However, famous speakers like Cicero, Pompey, and Crassus all spoke up for Balbus, and he was found innocent.

During the Roman Civil War

When the Roman Civil War started, Balbus didn't openly fight against Pompey. But he was known to be very close to Caesar. It was even said that Balbus had dinner with Caesar and other important people the night Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon River into Italy in 49 BC. This event started the civil war.

Balbus tried to get Cicero to help make peace between Caesar and Pompey. He wanted to stop Cicero from joining Pompey's side. Cicero later admitted that Balbus convinced him not to take a side, even though Cicero felt it might have been better to do so.

After Caesar's Death

Balbus stayed loyal to Caesar. He and another man named Oppius managed all of Caesar's business in Rome. Balbus later became Caesar's private secretary. Even Cicero had to ask Balbus for favors with Caesar.

After Caesar was murdered in 44 BC, Balbus quickly gained the favor of Octavian, who later became the first Roman emperor, Augustus. In 43 BC or 42 BC, Balbus became a praetor (a high-ranking Roman official). Then, in 40 BC, he made history by becoming the first naturalized Roman citizen to become a Roman consul. This was one of the highest political positions in Rome.

We don't know exactly when Balbus died. He used to keep a diary of important events in his own life and Caesar's life, but this diary has been lost. Balbus also made sure that Caesar's famous book, Commentaries on the Gallic War, was continued. The eighth book of this series was probably written by his friend Hirtius because Balbus encouraged him to do it.

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See also

In Spanish: Lucio Cornelio Balbo el Mayor para niños