Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura facts for kids

Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura (born 114 BC – died 5 December 63 BC) was an important Roman politician. He was known for being a main leader in a plot against the Roman government, called the Catilinarian Conspiracy. He was also the stepfather of Mark Antony, who would later become a very powerful Roman leader.

Early Life and Career

Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura was born in 114 BC. He started his political career in Rome. In 81 BC, he worked as a quaestor, which was a Roman official who managed public money. When he was accused of wasting public funds, he made a funny gesture. He held out the calf of his leg (sura), like a boy inviting a "slap on the wrist" for a mistake. This is how he got his nickname, Sura.

He continued to rise in Roman politics. In 75 BC, he became a praetor, a high-ranking judge. The next year, in 74 BC, he served as a governor in the Roman province of Sicily. By 71 BC, he reached the top position, becoming a consul, one of the two most powerful leaders in Rome.

Challenges and the Conspiracy

In 70 BC, Lentulus Sura faced a setback. He was removed from the Roman Senate because of some bad behavior. However, he was later allowed to rejoin the Senate.

In 63 BC, he became involved in a serious plot against the Roman Republic. This plot was led by a man named Catiline. Lentulus Sura believed an old prophecy that said three men from the Cornelius family would rule Rome. He thought he was one of them, following in the footsteps of famous leaders like Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Lucius Cornelius Cinna.

When Catiline left Rome, Lentulus Sura became the main leader of the plotters in the city. He and another plotter, C. Cornelius Cethegus, planned to cause chaos in Rome. They wanted to harm important leaders and set fires. But their plan failed because Lentulus Sura was too hesitant and not careful enough.

The Plot Uncovered

The plot was discovered when Lentulus Sura tried to get help from a group of people called the Allobroges. These people were ambassadors from a region complaining about Roman governors. Lentulus Sura tried to convince them to join his side and provide armed support.

The ambassadors pretended to agree. They got a written agreement signed by Lentulus Sura and the other main plotters. Then, they secretly told their Roman contact, Q. Fabius Sanga, about the plan. Sanga quickly informed Cicero, who was one of Rome's consuls at the time.

The plotters were arrested and had to admit what they had done. Lentulus Sura was forced to give up his position as praetor. Because people feared he might be rescued, he was put to death on 5 December 63 BC. Other supporters of Catiline were also executed.

Aftermath and Legacy

The way these executions happened caused a lot of debate in Rome. They were carried out by the consuls without a proper trial. Cicero argued that his actions were legal under a special emergency decree. However, he later faced problems for this. In 58 BC, a law was passed that made it illegal to execute Roman citizens without a trial. Cicero was then exiled from Rome for a short time.

Cicero later regretted his actions. Lentulus Sura was the stepfather of Mark Antony. Years later, when Mark Antony became very powerful, he demanded Cicero's execution as a condition for joining the Second Triumvirate, a powerful alliance of three leaders.

See also

• Lentulus, Roman patrician family.

In Spanish: Publio Cornelio Léntulo Sura para niños