Marcus Aemilius Lepidus Porcina facts for kids

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus Porcina was an important Roman leader. He became a consul of the Roman Republic in 137 BC. A consul was like a top elected official in ancient Rome. He was sent to lead a war against a group called the Numantines. However, he started a new war and was defeated. This led to him being called back to Rome in disgrace.

Political Journey

Early Roles

Lepidus started his political career as a praetor. A praetor was a high-ranking judge or military commander. This was likely around 143 BC. During his time as praetor, he supported building an aqueduct. This aqueduct would bring water to the Capitoline hill in Rome.

Becoming Consul

Lepidus was elected consul for the year 137 BC. His fellow consul was Gaius Hostilius Mancinus. While in Rome, Lepidus did not agree with a new law. This law was proposed by Lucius Cassius Longinus Ravilla, a plebeian tribune. A tribune was a representative of the common people. The law wanted to use secret ballots for most public trials. This meant people could vote privately.

War in Hispania

Later that year, Mancinus was defeated by the Numantines. He made a treaty that was seen as shameful. So, Mancinus's command was taken away. Lepidus was sent to Hispania Citerior to take over the war.

Lepidus quickly decided to fight the Vaccaei tribe. This tribe was likely helping the Numantines. He convinced his brother-in-law, Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus, to join him. Brutus was the governor of Hispania Ulterior. Together, they began to besiege Pallantia. This was the Vaccaei's largest city.

By this time, Lepidus's year as consul had ended. But his command was extended. When the Roman Senate heard about the new war, they were upset. They sent a message telling Lepidus and Brutus to stop. They said Rome was already struggling in other wars. Lepidus replied that it was too dangerous to stop fighting the Vaccaei. So, he continued the siege.

Defeat and Punishment

The siege of Pallantia lasted a long time. The Roman army ran out of food. Lepidus and Brutus eventually had to give up. They began to retreat in a very messy way. They even left behind their sick and wounded soldiers. The Vaccaei attacked them as they left. The Romans suffered many losses.

When news of this defeat reached Rome, the Senate was furious. They removed Lepidus from his command. When he returned to Rome, he was fined. This was a punishment for his actions. He was the first commander to have his extended military power taken away by the Senate.

Later Life

By 125 BC, Lepidus had been an augur for many years. An augur was a religious official who interpreted signs from the gods. Around that time, he faced charges from the censors. Censors were powerful officials who oversaw public morals and finances.

One of the censors, Gnaeus Servilius Caepio, was an enemy of Lepidus. Lepidus was accused of spending too much money on his house rent. He also faced punishment for building his holiday home in Alsium too tall.

Public Speaking Skills

Lepidus was known for being well-educated and having good taste. Cicero, a famous Roman speaker, read Lepidus's speeches. Cicero said Lepidus was the best speaker of his time. He was known for making Latin speeches flow smoothly, like Greek speeches.

Lepidus also helped shape the speaking styles of other important Romans. These included Tiberius Gracchus and Gaius Carbo. They often listened carefully to him. Cicero believed that Lepidus and his relatives were almost as good as Greek orators. However, Lepidus was not very knowledgeable about Roman law or government rules.

See also

In Spanish: Marco Emilio Lépido Porcina para niños