Quintus Hortensius facts for kids

Quintus Hortensius Hortalus (born 114 BC, died 50 BC) was a very famous Roman lawyer, a great speaker (called an orator), and a statesman. He was part of the Optimates political group. In 69 BC, he served as a consul, which was one of the highest political jobs in Rome. His friends sometimes called him Dionysia, like a famous actress. After he stopped working in politics, Hortensius enjoyed raising fish as a hobby. The famous Roman writer Cicero even called him a 'fish fancier'.

Early Life and Career

Hortensius gave his first speech in court when he was just nineteen years old. Soon after, he successfully defended Nicomedes IV of Bithynia, a king from the East who was supported by Rome. The king had lost his throne, but Hortensius helped him get it back. From that moment on, Hortensius became known as an excellent lawyer.

He married Lutatia, whose father was Quintus Lutatius Catulus. This marriage connected him to the important aristocratic families in Rome, known as the optimates. During this time, the courts were controlled by the Senate, and the judges were senators themselves.

Political Journey

Hortensius fought in two military campaigns during the Social War (90 and 89 BC). He then held several important government jobs:

• quaestor in 81 BC (a financial officer)
• aedile in 75 BC (in charge of public works and games)
• praetor in 72 BC (a judge)
• consul in 69 BC (one of the two highest officials)

The year before he became consul, he had a famous legal case against Gaius Verres. In this case, he faced off against Cicero, another brilliant lawyer. After this, Cicero became more famous than Hortensius in the courts.

Later, after 63 BC, Hortensius and Cicero often worked together on legal cases. They defended important people like Gaius Rabirius and Titus Annius Milo. After a general named Pompey returned to Rome in 61 BC, Hortensius decided to step back from public life and focus more on his legal work.

In 50 BC, the year he died, Hortensius successfully defended Appius Claudius Pulcher. Appius was accused of serious political wrongdoing, but Hortensius helped him win his case.

Family and Connections

Hortensius had a daughter named Hortensia. She also became a very successful speaker, just like her father. In 42 BC, she gave a powerful speech against a special tax on wealthy Roman women. Her speech was so good that part of the tax was removed!

His son, also named Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, was a friend of the poet Catullus. In 44 BC, Julius Caesar made him governor of Macedonia. However, he later joined Brutus and died after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.

Hortensius also married a woman named Marcia. After his death in 50 BC, she inherited all his wealth.

His Speaking Style

Even though we don't have any of Hortensius's speeches today, people at the time said he was an amazing speaker. Cicero described his style as "Asiatic," which meant it was very fancy and dramatic. He used a lot of gestures and even moved his toga (a Roman cloak) in a special way that impressed people. He was such a good performer that even professional actors would stop their rehearsals to watch him!

Hortensius also had an incredible memory. He could remember every single point his opponent made in an argument. He also had a beautiful voice that he could control very well.

Lasting Impact

Hortensius's great speaking skills earned him a huge amount of money. He used his wealth to buy amazing villas (large country homes), parks, and fish-ponds. He also enjoyed expensive parties, fine wine, and beautiful art. He was even known for being the first person to serve peacocks as a fancy dish at dinner parties in Rome!

The famous writer Cicero wrote a book about philosophy called Hortensius or "On Philosophy." This book is now lost, but it was very important. St. Augustine, a famous Christian thinker, wrote in his book Confessions that Cicero's Hortensius inspired him to study philosophy and eventually become a Christian.

Cicero also wrote another book, Brutus, which was a history of Roman speakers. He dedicated this book to Hortensius. Even though Cicero sometimes pointed out Hortensius's flaws, he clearly respected him a lot. Cicero often wrote about how much he missed his friend and fellow worker, saying they helped each other with ideas and advice.

Sadly, over many centuries, all of Hortensius's speeches were lost. The last person known to have read and written about one of his original speeches was a speaker named Quintilian in the first century AD. Today, not a single speech by Hortensius still exists.

See also

In Spanish: Quinto Hortensio para niños