Lucius Mummius Achaicus facts for kids

Roman general Lucius Mummius Achaicus leading The Sack of Corinth, by Thomas Allom

Lucius Mummius was an important Roman statesman and general who lived in the 2nd century BC. He became a consul in 146 BC. He was the first person in his family to reach this high position, which made him a "novus homo" (a new man). Mummius earned the special name "Achaicus" because he won major victories against the Achaean League in Greece. He is most famous for destroying the ancient city of Corinth, which was a leading city of the League. His victory meant that Rome gained full control over all of Greece.

Lucius Mummius: A Roman General

Almost nothing is known about Lucius Mummius's early life. He began his political career by winning one of the praetorships in 155 BC. A praetor was a high-ranking Roman official, similar to a judge or governor.

Conquering Spain

In 154 BC, the Senate gave Mummius an important job. He had to bring order back to Hispania Ulterior (which is now part of Spain). This area was facing a rebellion by the native Lusitanian people.

At first, Mummius faced some difficulties in his campaign. But he quickly regrouped his army. At a place called Ocile, he led his 9,000 foot soldiers and 500 horsemen to a big victory. They fought against a larger group of Lusitanians, killing about 15,000 rebels. This victory helped lift a siege. For his success in Spain, Mummius was honored with a triumph, which was a grand parade celebrating a military victory in Rome.

The Fall of Corinth

Lucius Mummius was elected consul for the year 146 BC. He was given command of the Achaean War in Greece. He took over from another general, Metellus Macedonicus.

Mummius easily defeated the Achaean leader Diaeus. After this victory, Mummius's army entered the city of Corinth. All the men in Corinth were killed. The women and children were sold into slavery. Many valuable statues, paintings, and other works of art were taken and sent to Rome. After this, Corinth was completely destroyed.

Some ancient writers, however, suggest that Corinth might not have been totally wiped out. Historians believe that the Roman Senate wanted Corinth destroyed. This was because Corinth was a strong trading rival to Rome. Despite the harshness, Mummius later showed good leadership in managing the region. He was fair and honest, which earned him respect from the local people. He also made sure not to disrespect their religious beliefs.

When he returned to Rome, Mummius was again honored with a triumph. He was the first "novus homo" to receive a special name, an agnomen, for his military achievements. This is how he got the name "Achaicus."

Later Life and Art

In 142 BC, Mummius became a censor with Scipio Aemilianus Africanus. A censor was a Roman official who kept track of citizens and public morals. Mummius was known for being more relaxed than his strict colleague, Scipio. This often led to disagreements between them.

Mummius didn't seem to care much for art or understand its true value. There's a famous story about him telling people shipping treasures from Corinth to Rome that "if they lost or damaged them, they would have to replace them." He didn't realize that these were priceless ancient artworks, not just regular goods.

Even so, Mummius brought many valuable artworks and rich furniture from Corinth back to Rome. He also built a new theater for public shows. This theater had better sound and seats designed like Greek theaters, which was a big improvement for entertainment venues in Rome.

See also

• Achaean League
• Roman Greece
• Spurius Mummius, Lucius's brother

In Spanish: Lucio Mumio para niños

Sources

• Velleius Paterculus, i.12