Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus facts for kids

Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus was an important Roman leader and general. He lived a long time ago, around 170 BC. He became a consul, which was like a top elected official, in the year 123 BC.

His Life and Career

Quintus Caecilius Metellus was the oldest son of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus, who was also a Roman consul. His family, the Caecilia gens, was a well-known group in ancient Rome. People think he might have worked with his father in a place called Hispania Citerior between 143 and 142 BC.

By 126 BC, he was elected to an important job called Praetor. This was a high-ranking official who helped with laws and justice. Then, in 123 BC, he became a consul, working with another leader named Titus Quinctius Flamininus.

Fighting Pirates in the Balearic Islands

During his time as consul, Quintus Metellus was given a big job: to fight pirates! These pirates were causing trouble around the Balearic Islands. His mission continued into 122 BC. Even after his consulship ended, he was given a special command called a proconsular command to finish the job. This meant he still had the power of a consul to lead his army.

By 121 BC, he had successfully defeated the pirates. He also conquered the main islands of Mallorca and Menorca, which are part of the Balearics. Because of this great victory, he earned a special nickname, or cognomen, called Balearicus. This name means "of the Balearics." He also received the high honor of a Triumph, which was a huge parade in Rome to celebrate a military victory.

Building New Cities

After his victory, Quintus Metellus helped establish two new cities, called colonies, on the islands. These cities were Palma and Pollentia. About 3,000 Romans from Iberia (modern-day Spain) moved to these new settlements.

In 120 BC, he was chosen to be a Censor. Censors were important officials who kept track of citizens, their wealth, and public morals. During this time, he and his fellow censor likely reappointed Publius Cornelius Lentulus as Princeps senatus, which was a very respected position in the Roman Senate.

His Family

Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus had children:

• Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos
• Caecilia Metella, who might have been the wife of Appius Claudius Pulcher.

See also

In Spanish: Quinto Cecilio Metelo Baleárico para niños

• Caecilia gens

Sources

• Broughton, T. Robert S., The Magistrates of the Roman Republic, Vol I (1952)
• Broughton, T. Robert S., The Magistrates of the Roman Republic, Vol III (1986)
• Smith, William, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, Vol II (1867)