Quintus Fabius Maximus (consul 45 BC) facts for kids

Quintus Fabius Maximus (who might also have been called Quintus Fabius Maximus Sanga) was a Roman general and politician. He lived during the late Roman Republic and became a top leader, known as a suffect consul, in 45 BC. He passed away on December 31, 45 BC.

Life Story of Quintus Fabius Maximus

Quintus Fabius Maximus belonged to an important noble family in ancient Rome called the gens Fabia. His father was also named Quintus Fabius Maximus. His grandfather, Quintus Fabius Maximus Allobrogicus, was a consul in 121 BC. His great-grandfather, Quintus Fabius Maximus Aemilianus, was also a consul in 145 BC. So, his family had a long history of important leaders.

Early Career and Public Service

Quintus Fabius Maximus first became well-known in 59 BC. At that time, he and Marcus Caelius Rufus brought charges against Gaius Antonius Hybrida. This former governor was accused of misusing his power in the Roman province of Macedonia. Even though a famous speaker named Cicero defended Hybrida, Fabius Maximus and Caelius Rufus won the case.

In 57 BC, Fabius Maximus was elected Curule aedile. This was an official who managed public buildings and games in Rome. During his time as aedile, he helped restore the Fornix Fabianus, which was a famous arch. Before 48 BC, he was also elected praetor, a high-ranking judge or official.

Serving Julius Caesar

In 46 BC, Fabius Maximus became one of Julius Caesar's trusted commanders, called legates. He fought alongside Caesar in the civil war, which was a big fight for power in Rome. Caesar sent Maximus and Quintus Pedius to Hispania (modern-day Spain). They were in charge of troops sent from Sardinia to deal with the Pompeians, who were supporters of Caesar's enemy, Gnaeus Pompeius.

When they arrived in Hispania, Maximus and Pedius did not want to risk a battle because Pompeius had more soldiers. So, they stayed in their camp at Oculbo and waited for Caesar to arrive. Once Caesar joined them, they fought and defeated Pompeius at the Battle of Munda on March 17, 45 BC. After this important victory, Caesar left Maximus to surround the town of Munda and make it surrender. Maximus successfully took the town and might have even destroyed it. He then marched towards another town called Ursao.

Return to Rome and Final Days

After his victories in Spain, Fabius Maximus returned to Rome with Caesar. As a reward for his loyal service, Caesar made him a suffect consul on October 1, 45 BC. A suffect consul was a top leader who took over for someone else. Caesar had given up his own consulship in September, and the people voted for Caesar's chosen candidates, including Maximus.

When Maximus entered a theatre, his officials (called lictors) asked the audience to stand up. However, some citizens who did not like Caesar showed their disapproval. They shouted, "He is no consul!" This showed that not everyone was happy with Caesar's choices.

Despite this, Maximus celebrated a Roman triumph on October 13, 45 BC. A triumph was a special parade through Rome to celebrate a big military victory. His triumph was for his successes in Spain.

Quintus Fabius Maximus died very suddenly on December 31, 45 BC. This was the very last day of his consulship. According to an ancient writer named Pliny the Elder, his death was remarkable because he showed no signs of being sick beforehand. For the few remaining hours of the year, Gaius Caninius Rebilus took his place as consul.

Fabius Maximus had three children: Paullus Fabius Maximus, Africanus Fabius Maximus, and Fabia Paullina. His daughter Fabia Paullina married a man named Marcus Titius.

See also

• List of Roman consuls

Sources

• T. Robert S. Broughton, The Magistrates of the Roman Republic, Vol II (1952).
• Holmes, T. Rice, The Roman Republic and the Founder of the Empire, Vol. III (1923).
• Syme, Ronald, The Roman Revolution, Clarendon Press, Oxford, (1939).
• Smith, W. Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology (1861).