Marcus Fulvius Nobilior (consul 189 BC) facts for kids

Marcus Fulvius Nobilior was an important Roman general and politician. He lived a long time ago, during the Roman Republic. He was known for his military victories and for bringing Greek art and culture to Rome.

Marcus Fulvius Nobilior: A Roman Leader

Starting His Journey in Politics

Marcus Fulvius Nobilior began his public life in 195 BC as a curule aedile. An aedile was a Roman official who managed public games, buildings, and markets. Later, in 193 BC, he became a praetor. A praetor was a high-ranking judge or commander. He served well in Spain during this time.

Great Military Successes

In 189 BC, Marcus Fulvius Nobilior became a consul. This was one of the highest positions in the Roman Republic. As consul, he led a major military campaign. He completely defeated the Aetolian League, a group of Greek city-states. This was a very important victory for Rome.

When he returned to Rome, Nobilior celebrated a special event called a triumph. A triumph was a huge parade to honor a successful general. It showed off all the treasures and prisoners captured during the war. The historian Livy wrote a lot about how grand Nobilior's triumph was.

During his campaign against the Aetolians, a famous poet named Ennius was with him. Ennius even wrote a play about the capture of Ambracia, a city Nobilior took. However, another important Roman, Cato the Censor, criticized Nobilior for bringing a poet to war. Cato thought it was not proper for a Roman general.

Becoming a Censor

In 179 BC, Nobilior was chosen to be a censor. This was another very important job. Censors were responsible for keeping track of citizens, managing public money, and making sure people followed Roman traditions. He shared this role with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus.

Restoring Temples and Knowledge

Marcus Fulvius Nobilior also helped restore the Temple of Hercules and the Muses. This temple was located in the Circus Flaminius in Rome. He placed a list of important dates, called Fasti, inside the temple. He also tried to make the Roman calendar better known to everyone. This helped people understand important dates and festivals.

A Lover of Greek Culture

Nobilior was very interested in Greek art and culture. He brought many beautiful Greek artworks to Rome. One famous piece he brought was a painting of the Muses by the artist Zeuxis, which came from Ambracia. He helped introduce more Greek ideas and art into Roman society.

His Family

Marcus Fulvius Nobilior was the grandson of Servius Fulvius Paetinus Nobilior, who was a consul in 255 BC. Marcus Fulvius Nobilior had two sons. Both of his sons also became consuls, which was a great honor for their family. His sons were Marcus Fulvius Nobilior (consul in 159 BC) and Quintus Fulvius Nobilior (consul in 153 BC).

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