Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus facts for kids
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus (born around 188 BC, died 116 or 115 BC) was an important leader and general in the Roman Republic. He lived during the second century BC.
He held several important jobs in Rome. He was a praetor (a type of judge or governor) in 148 BC. Later, he became a consul (one of the two highest officials) in 143 BC. He also served as a Proconsul (a governor) in Hispania Citerior in 142 BC. Finally, he was a censor (an official who kept track of citizens and public morals) in 131 BC.
He earned his special nickname, Macedonicus, because he won a big victory against the Macedonians in a war.
Contents
A Roman General's Victories
Winning the Fourth Macedonian War
In 148 BC, Quintus Metellus was a praetor. He led Roman troops to victory against a man named Andriscus. Andriscus claimed to be the son of the last king of Macedon. He wanted to free Macedonia from Roman rule.
Metellus defeated Andriscus twice. Because of his success, Macedonia became a Roman province. This means it became a part of the Roman Empire. For this great win, he was given the special name Macedonicus.
Battles in the Achaean War
In 146 BC, Metellus won battles against Greek armies. He defeated Critolaos of Megalopolis at the Battle of Scarpheia. He also beat the Arcadians at Chaeronea.
Later, he joined the Achaean War. This war was fought to get revenge for an insult to Roman officials in Corinth. Metellus fought under the command of Lucius Mummius Achaicus. Mummius won the final victory against the Achaean League.
After returning to Italy, Metellus was honored with a special parade called a Triumph. He also kept his title of Macedonicus. After his Triumph, he built a public walkway called the Porticus Caecilii. He also built two grand temples. These temples were dedicated to the Roman gods Jupiter and Juno. They were the first marble temples in Rome. They were decorated with statues of generals from the time of Alexander.
Fighting in the Numantine War
From 143 to 142 BC, Metellus was a consul. He led military campaigns against different groups of people in central Hispania. This was during the Numantine War. He defeated several tribes, including the Arevaci and Lusones. He did not attack the city of Numantia itself. This city continued to fight Rome for ten more years.
Metellus's Role in Roman Politics
In 133 BC, Metellus spoke out against Tiberius Gracchus. Gracchus wanted to control the wealth of a recently deceased king without the Senate's approval. Metellus believed this was wrong.
Metellus became a censor in 131 BC. He wanted to improve Roman customs and traditions. He gave a speech saying that marriage should be required for all Roman citizens. He believed this would help improve Roman society. About a hundred years later, the Roman emperor Augustus had this speech read aloud and published.
Metellus was respected for his speaking skills and his love for the Arts. He died in 116 or 115 BC. People saw him as a very lucky Roman. He came from a famous family, achieved many honors in both government and the military, and had a large family. Four of his sons became consuls. His two sons-in-law also became consuls.
Metellus's Family
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus was the oldest son of Quintus Caecilius Metellus. His grandfather was Lucius Caecilius Metellus.
He had several children:
- Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus
- Lucius Caecilius Metellus Diadematus
- Marcus Caecilius Metellus
- Gaius Caecilius Metellus Caprarius
- Caecilia Metella, who married Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica
- Caecilia Metella, who married Gaius Servilius Vatia
- Caecilia Metella, who married Quintus Servilius Caepio
Sources
- UNRV.com
- Stockton, David. The Gracchi, Oxford University Press, Oxford ENG; 1979.
See also
In Spanish: Quinto Cecilio Metelo Macedónico para niños
