Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

THE CONSULS OF 132 BC

P. Popillius C.f. P.n. Laenas (cos. 132) (RE 28)

P. Rupilius P.f. P.n. (cos. 132) (RE 5)

1
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

2
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

Murder of Marcus Cicero

Dio, Cassias, Roman History, XLVII.11.1-2 (specifically 1-2) (Loeb trans.)

“(1)Such were the conspicuous deeds of bravery and filial devotion performed at that time.
On the other hand, Popilius Laenas killed Marcus Cicero, although Cicero had once defended
him as his advocate,(2) and in order that by means of optical proof as well as by report he
might have the credit of having murdered him, he set up a statue of himself sitting crowned
beside his victim's head, with an inscription that recorded his name and his deed. By this act
he pleased Antony so much that he secured more than the price offered.

Dio, Cassias, Roman History, XLIV.50.4. (Loeb trans.)

“(4)For all that, the rest did not cease their disturbance, but rushed to the houses of the
assassins, and during the excitement killed, among others, Helvius Cinna, a tribune, without
just cause; for this man had not only not plotted against Caesar, but was one of his most
devoted friends. Their mistake was due to the fact that Cornelius Cinna, the praetor, had
taken part in the attack.”

Dio, Cassias, Roman History, XLIV.52.2-3. (Loeb trans.)

“(2)One Gaius Casca, a tribune, seeing that Cinna had perished as a result of his cognomen
being the same as the prisoner's, and fearing that he too might be killed, because Publius
Servilius Casca was one of the tribunes and also one of the assassins, (3) issued a statement
which showed that they had in common only the single name and pointed out the difference
in their sentiments. Neither of them suffered any harm, as Servilius was strongly guarded; but
Gaius gained some notoriety, so that he is remembered for this act.”

Dio, Cassias, The Death of Cicero, XLVII.11.2 (Loeb trans.)

“(2)Proud of his role in the murder, Popilius, the military tribune who had been sent to kill
the man who once had defended him in court, set up a statue of himself wearing a wreath,
sitting beside the severed head of Cicero, a gesture that so pleased Antony that he added a
bonus to his award.”

Plutarch, C. The Life of Caius Gracchus, 4.2 (Loeb trans.)

“(2)Of these laws, one had the direct effect of branding with infamy Marcus Octavius, who
had been deposed from the tribunate by Tiberius; and by the other Popillius was affected, for
as praetor he had banished the friends of Tiberius. Popillius, indeed, without standing his
trial, fled out of Italy; but the other law was withdrawn by Caius himself, who said that he
spared Octavius at the request of his mother Cornelia.”

3
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

Careers

Broughton, The Magistrates of The Roman Republic Volume III,1986

“P. Popillius C.f. P.n. Laenas (28, cf. 7 and 22), Cos. 132. Praetor in Sicily? 135? His
praetorship in Sicily (MRR 1.489 and 483, note 1) depends on whether or not he is the
missing subject of the acephalous inscription of Polla (CIL 12.638-ILS 23-ILLRP 454). See
above, on T.Annius Rufus (78), Cos. 128, and on Ap. Cladius Pulcher (295), Cos. 143. He is
not named in Florus’ list (2.7.7.) of praetors in Sicily during the revolt, as implied wrongly in
MRR 1.483, note 1. On the inscription of Polla, see also A.E. Gordon. Latin Epigraphy, no.
12, pp. 87-89.”

Digital Prosopography of the Roman Republic

“P. Rupilius (5) P. f. P. n., Cic. De Am. 27.101 (aequalis of C. Laelius Sapiens & Scipio
Aemilianus). Brother of L. Rupilius (4) (pr. before 132) (Zmeskal 2009)
Cic. Tusc. IV 40, Father of Rupilia (12) (daughter of P. Rupilius (5) P. f. P. n. (cos. 132))
(Zmeskal 2009), Praetor before 134 (Broughton MRR I), The latest possible date under the
Lex Villia. (Broughton MRR I) p. 738 (Brennan 2000), Consul 132 (Broughton MRR I)
Cic. Verr. 2.4.112; Lael. 37; Att. 13.32.3; Fast. Cap., Degrassi 52f., 125f., 470f. (P.
Popi[11]ius C. f. P. [n. Laenas]; Rupilius' name entire){498} Chr. 354 (Laenas et Calibo);
Fast. Hyd. (Laenate et Rutilio), so also Chr. Pasc.; Cassiod., with Sulpicius for Rupilius; and
on Popillius, CIL 1 .2.637; Cic. Cluent. 95. The Consuls had charge of the senatorial
inquisition into supporters of Ti. Gracchus (Cic. Lael. 37; Val. Max. 3.7.1). Popillius built
and repaired roads in Italy (CIL 1(2).2.637, 638- ILS 23), while Rupilius finally subdued the
slave revolt in Sicily (Cic. Verr. 2.3.125; Liv. Per. 59; Diod. 34-35.2.20-23; Val. Max. 2.7.3;
6.9.8; 9.12, ext. 1; Oros. 5.9.7), possibly earning a triumph (Degrassi 558), and with the help
of a senatorial commission reorganized the island under the Lex Rupilia (Cic. Verr. 2.2.32-
44, 59, 90, 125; Val. Max. 6.9.8; Ps.-Ascon. 264 Stangl; Schol. Gron. 334 Stangl; cf. CIL
1(2), p. 764, no. 383 n, P. Ru[pilius]). On Popillius, see Lübker no. 7. (Broughton MRR I),
Triumphator? 132 (Rich 2014) Ovation? de Sicilia. Itgenshorst no.214b (ovatio incertus),
Rich no. 214. Not listed in MRR. (Rich 2014).

Archaic Latin Inscriptions. Inscriptions on and concerning Public Work, 11.

“Milestone recording the public services probably of Publius Popillius Laenas, consul in 132
b.c. Near Forum Popillii (Polla) in Lucania. 132 B.C. Publius Popillius, consul, son of
Gaius.”

4
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

Valerius Maximus, Memorable Doings and Sayings, II.7.3. (Loeb trans.)

“(3)For Consul P. Rupilius, in the war he waged against the runaways in Sicily, ordered his
son-in-law Q. Fabius1 to leave the province because he had lost the citadel of Tauromenium
by his negligence.”

Cicero, Verraine Orations II, XVI.39 (Loeb trans.)

“(39)Need I give you any proof of the criminal way in which this man administers the law as
he chooses? Did you not all see how he administered it in Rome? Was the proper legal
procedure available at any time for anyone during his term of office, if Chelidon willed
otherwise? Unlike some others, Verres was not morally ruined by his province—he was there
what he had been in Rome. When Heraclius pleaded what all knew to be true, that Sicilians
had fixed rights in their legal actions against one another; that the Rupilian law was in
existence, instituted by the consul Publius Rupilius on the recommendation of the
Commission of Ten; and that all consuls and all praetors in Sicily had maintained this law
always: Verres thereupon announced that he would not cast lots as the Rupilian law directed,
and appointed to try the case the five persons who suited him best.”

Popularity in the beginning of their Consulship

Cicero, Letters to Friends, 139 (XIII.9)

CICERO TO CRASSIPES(Loeb trans.)

“I have always been very ready to study the interests of the tax farmers as a class, which is
only right in view of the important services they have rendered me. But I should like it to be
clear to you that I have a special regard for this Company of Bithynia. The quality of the
membership in itself makes the Company an important section of the community (it is a
consortium of all the other companies) and, as it happens, it contains a great many very good
friends of mine. I would mention one of them in particular who has a special responsibility at
the present time, namely the Chairman, P. Rupilius, son of Publius, of the Tribe Menenia.”

Cicero, De Amicitia, XXVII.100-101. (Loeb trans.)

“(100)Virtue, my dear Gaius Fannius, and you, my dear Quintus Mucius, Virtue, I say, both
creates the bond of friendship and preserves it. For in Virtue is complete harmony, in her is
permanence, in her is fidelity; and when she has raised her head and shown her own light and
has seen and recognized the same light in another, she moves towards it and in turn receives
its beams; as a result love or friendship leaps into flame; for both words are derived from a
word meaning “to love.” 2 But love is nothing other than the great esteem and affection felt
for him who inspires that sentiment, and it is not sought because of material need or for the
sake of material gain. Nevertheless, even this blossoms forth from friendship, (101) although
you did not make it your aim. Because of this friendly impulse, I, as a young man, became
1
Probably Eburnus, then Quaestor (132), not Allobrogicus; cf. Broughton I.499.n.1; but the arguments are not
altogether conclusive. Cf. VM 6.9.4.
2
i.e. amor, “love”; amicitia, “friendship.”

5
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

attached to those old men, Lucius Paulus, Marcus Cato, Gaius Gallus, Publius Nasica, and
Tiberius Gracchus, father-in-law of my dear Scipio. And while that feeling is stronger
between men of the same age, as between Scipio, Lucius Furius, Publius Rupilius, Spurius
Mummius, and myself; yet, in turn, now that I am old, I find pleasure in the affection of
young men, like yourselves and Quintus Tubero; and I find delight also in social intercourse
with still younger men like Publius Rutilius and Aulus Verginius.”

Livy, Histroy of Rome, XL.43. (Loeb trans.)

“(43)When the people of Pisae promised land for the foundation of a Latin colony, they were
thanked by the senate; and Quintus Fabius Buteo and Marcus and Publius Popillius Laenas
were elected as the triumvirs for the purpose. A letter was also brought from the praetor
Gaius Maenius, to whom Sardinia had been allotted as his province, but who had been given
the further responsibility of investigating cases of poisoning that occurred more than ten
miles from the city.3 Maenius wrote that he had already condemned 3,000 people and that his
investigation was growing thanks to the evidence of informers; and he should either abandon
the investigation or forfeit his province.”

Livy, Summaries, LIX. (Loeb trans.)

“Consul Publius Rupilius brought an end to the war in Sicily against the fugitive slaves.4”

Valerius Maximus, Memorable Doings and Sayings, VI.9.8-9. (Loeb trans.)

“(8) P. Rupilius was not a tax farmer in Sicily, he worked for the tax farmers. He also eked
out his extreme poverty by hiring his services to the allies. Later the whole of Sicily accepted
laws from him as Consul (9) and was freed from a very bitter war with pirates and runaway
slaves. I think the very harbours, if dumb things have feelings, were astonished at such a
variety of status in the same individual. They watched a man they had seen pulling in his
daily takings sitting in judgment and commanding fleets and armies.”

Valerius Maximus, Memorable Doings and Sayings, IX.12.ext.1. (Loeb trans.)

“(ext.1) There are external deaths too worth note, such as particularly that of Coma, who is
said to have been brother to Cleon, the great brigand leader. He was brought to Consul P.
Rupilius in Henna, a bandit stronghold which we had captured. When asked about the
strength and enterprises of the runaways, he took some time to collect himself, then covered
his head, fell on his knees, and stopped his breath; so in the very hands of his guards and in
the presence of highest command he found rest in the security for which he yearned.5”

Cicero, Against Verres. II.XVI.40 (Loeb trans.)

3
Cf. 37.4, above.
4
132 b.c. Cf. Diodorus XXXIV. ii. 20–23; Valerius Maximus II. vii. 3; VI. ix. 8; IX. xii. ext. 1.
5
132: cf. Diodor. 34/35.2.21.

6
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

“(40)How shall such a man be dealt with? What fit punishment can be found for behaviour so
outrageous? You barefaced ruffian! When you found’ laid down for you the method of
appointing courts for purely Sicilian cases; when any other method was forbidden by the
sanction of the chief magistrate of Rome, by the high authority of those ten eminent
Commissioners, by that decree of the Senate instructing Rupilius to enact laws for Sicily in
accord with the Commissioners’ report; when all your predecessors had strictly maintained
the Rupilian statutes, and most strictly of all those that relate to judicial procedure: then could
you dare to let all these solemn facts count for nothing when balanced against the prospect of
plunder for yourself? Could law and conscience, sense of shame and fear of judgement, be so
utterly banished from your mind? Could you let no man’s opinion weigh with you, no man’s
actions make you follow his example?”

Inscriptions

Augustus, Alison E. Cooley, Res Gestae Divi Augusti: Text, Translation, and Commentary

“Another Republican inscription often discussed as a precedent for the RGDA is an unusal
building inscription set up by P. Popillius Laenas (cosul in 132 BC), in which, contrary to the
norm, he proclaims his achivements in the first person, starting ‘I [Publius Popillius son of
Gaius, consul] built the road’, and is concerned with emphasizing that he has been the first to
sort out the use of public lands, ‘I was the first to see to it that herdsmen yielded to
ploughmen on public land.’6

Arthur E. Gordon, Illustrated Introduction to Latin Epigraphy, Berkeley - Los Angeles -

London 1983

Milestone with Acephalous Elogium Polla. 143 (?) B.C. A slab of local limestone7 now
immured in a moument standing on state highway no. 19, in front of the former Osteria del
Passo, just beyond the turn into Polla, in Lucania8, as one comes from Salerno or Eboli;
reported on this vicinity from the 15th cent. On 71 x 74.6 x 109 cm., max. Letter heights: 3.0-
3.5cm.
2 10
CIL 1 .638 , 10.6950, ILS 23, Cagnat pl. II, 2 S/C 132, Diehl 430, Warm. 150 f., Ern. 131,
L/R 1.24611, Palm. No. 49, Degr. 45412, Imag. 192 a-b, Cal. Lim, 288-290 no.80, De Ros.
3813; V. Bracco, Insr. Ital. 3: 114 153-157 no. 272; cf. G. P. Verbrugghe, CP 6815 25-35, whose
interpretation is favoured here and by H.Krummrey, CIL 12: 2:4, in his additions to Degrassi.
6
Viam feci ab Regio ad Capuam, et in ea via pontes omnes, milarios tabeliarisque posui. Hinc sunt Nonceriam
milia LI, Capuam XXCIIII… summa ab Capua Regium milia CCCXXI. Et idem praetor in Sicilia fugitvos
Italicorum conquaesivi reffifique homines DCCCCXVII. Idemque primus fevi ut de agro publico aratoibus
cederent pastores. Forum aedesque publicas hic feci.
7
Vittotio Bracco of Polla, a letter of Mar. 7, 1956
8
probably near anc. Forum Popillii
9
Original?
10
Cf. pp. 725, 833, fasc. 4
11
Transl.
12
Add. Pp. 330-332
13
Ital. transl.
14
1974
15
1973

7
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

On the run-over of XXI from the end of line 8 to the end of line 9, cf. Suet. Aug. 87, 3: 16 in
his writing does not “carry superfluous [i.e., run-over, abundantis] letters from the end of one
line to the neginning of the nexr, but writes them just below the rest of the word and draws a
loop around them” 17 as here. A unique sort of inscription, combining a kind of milestone
with an elogium type self-glorification of the road-maker. Ironically, his name and probably
his title cos. are missing, having presumably been cut on a separate stone, now lost, which
rested on the top of the slab and on which, in turn, rested perhaps a statue of him, like the one
mentioned in the inscr. as being "at the Strait" (of Messina). Text: Viam fecei ab Regio ad
Capuam et
in ea via ponteis omneis, miliarios
tabelariosque poseivi. Hince sunt:
5 Nouceriam, meilia LI; Capuam, XXCIIIỊ;
Muranum, LXXIIII; Cosentiam, CXXIII;
Valentiam, CLXXX〚·〛; ad fretum, ad
statuam, CCXXXI〚·〛; Regium CCXXX《VI》I.
Suma af Capua Regium: meilia CCCXXI〚·〛.
10 Et eidem praetor in
Sicilia fugiteivos Italicorum
conquaeisivei redideique
homines DCCCCXVII, eidemque
primus fecei, ut de agro poplico
15 aratoribus cederent paastores.
Forum aedisque poplicas heic fecei̲ .

"I (have) built a road from Rhegium to Capua, and on this road I (have) placed the bridges -
all (of them) -, the milestones, and the strade-markers [?]. From here (forum Popillii) it's 51
miles [north] to Nuceria, 84 to Capua, 74 [south] to Muranum, 123 to Cosentia, 180 to
Valentia, 231 to the statue at the Strait, 237 to Rhegium: total, from Capua to Rhegium, 321
miles. And likewise, as praetor in Sicily [by 146 B.c.?], I rounded up the runaway slaves of
the Italici and handed back (to their owners) 917 persons; and likewise I was the first one to
make sheepherders withdraw from public land in favor of plowmen. A market and public
buildings I (have) built here."

Unpopularity, Trial and Exile after Consulship

Velleius Paterculus, The History of Rome, II.7.4 (Loeb trans.)

“(4)Rupilius and Popilius, who, as consuls, had prosecuted the friends of Tiberius Gracchus
with the utmost severity, deservedly met at a later date with the same mark of popular
disapproval at their public trials.”

Valerius Maximus, Memorable Doings and Sayings, V.3.4. (Loeb Trans.)

“(4)But to pass to another act of ingratitude consonant with the above, M. Cicero at M.
Caelius’ request defended C. Popillius Laenas of the district of Picenum with no less
16
Augustus
17
Rolfe’s Loeb transl.

8
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

assiduity than eloquence and, hanging in the balance as he was with a very doubtful case, sent
him home safe. Later this Popillius of his own accord asked Mark Antony to be sent to pursue
and slaughter the proscribed Cicero, who had not harmed him either in deed or word.”

Fragmentary Republican Latin, Volume III: Oratory, Part I, 48 C. (Loeb trans.)

“In C. Gracchus’ first year as Tribune, P. Popillius Laenas (cos. 132 BC) was taken to court
because he had been involved in trials against supporters of Ti. Sempronius Gracchus (34). P.
Popillius Laenas went into exile, possibly before the trial; he was recalled after C. Gracchus’
death”

Cicero, Disputations, IV. XVII.40 (Loeb trans.)

“(40)It has been recorded in Fannius that P. Rupilius was distressed at his brother’s failure to
be elected to the consulship. But all the same he seems to have passed the limit, since he died
of chagrin. He ought therefore to have shown more restraint. Well, suppose that, though he
showed moderation under this blow, there had come in addition the loss of children? a new
distress would have arisen: grant it a moderate one: still an addition of consequence would
have been made. Well, suppose that subsequently severe bodily pains, suppose loss of
property, suppose blindness, suppose exile had followed. If there were an addition of distress
to match each separate evil, there would be a sum total impossible to bear.”

Cicero, Letters to Atticus. Tusculum, 29 May 45, Cicero to Atticus. (Loeb trans.)

“I see in Libo that he was Praetor in the Consulship of P. Popilius and P. Rupilius. How could
he have been a Commissioner fourteen years before becoming Praetor?—unless he became
Praetor very late, which I do not think likely as he seems to have gained the curule
magistracies at the legally permitted years without the least difficulty.”

Michael C. Alexander, Trials in The Late Republic; 149 BC to 50BC, 15.

Date: 132
Charge: quaestio extraordinaria (for parricidium: killing of father? Or for association with Ti.
Gracchus)
Defendant: C. Villius (2)
Quaesitores:
P. Popillius Laenas (28) cos.
P. Rupilius (5) cos.
Juror?:18C, execution (by culleus as if for parricidium?)19
Plut. Ti. Gracch, 20.3; cf. Cic. Amic. 37; V. Max.47.1

Michael C. Alexander, Trials in The Late Republic; 149 BC to 50BC, 16.

18
Cic. Amic. 37, quod aderam Laenati et Rupilio consublibus in consilio…
19
See Mommsen, Strafr. 922; Brecht (1938) 247-48, n. 62.

9
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

Date: 132
Charge: quaestio extraordinaria (For association with Ti. Gracchus?)
Defendants: Diophanes (4), many others (aprox. 200)
Quaesitores:
P. Popillius Laenas (28) cos.
P. Rupilius (5) cos.
Juror?:20C.Laelius Sapiens (3) cos. 140
Outcome: C, execution

Plut. Ti. Gracch. 20.3; Oros.5.9.3;cf. Cic. Amic. 37; V. Max. 4.7.1

Michael C. Alexander, Trials in The Late Republic; 149 BC to 50BC, 17.

Date: 132
Charge: quaestio extrodinaria (association with Ti. Gracchus?)
Defendant: C. Blossius (1) of Cumae
Quaesitores:
P. Popillius Laenas (28) cos.
P. Rupilius (5) cos.
21
Juror?: C.Laelius Sapiens (3) cos. 140
Outcome: Fled, probably before trial.
Cic. Amic. 37; V. Max. 4.7.q; Plut. Ti Cracch. 20.3-4

Michael C. Alexander, Trials in The Late Republic; 149 BC to 50BC, 25.

Date: 132
Charge: perhaps a quaestio extrondinaria? 22 (involvement in tribunal aimed against
supporters of Ti. Gracchus; see also cases #15, #16, and #17)
Defendant: P. Popillius Laenas (28) cos.
Prosecutor: C.Sempronius Gracchus (47) tr. Pl. 123, 122
Outcome: voluntary exile, at Nuceria (possibly before the trial)

Cic. Clu. 95; Red. Sen. 37; Red, Pop, 6; Dom. 82, 87; Balb. 28; Brut. 128; Vell. 2.7.4; Plut.
C. Gracch. 4.2; Gel. 11.13.1; Schol. Bob. 111St; Fest. 220, 1L

Corrections

Cf. H. Volkmann, RE Popillius, no.7

20
See #15, n. 1.
21
See #15, n. 1.
22
Possible the trial was held under the lex de provocation. See Siber (1936) 10-11; Minera (1958) 242; Ewins
(1960) 97; Kunkel (1962) 28 n. 89; Weinrib (1970) 431; Stockton (1979) 119.

10
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

“M. Popilius senatorii ordinis war von Jugend auf mit Oppius Gallus befreundet und übergab
sterbend ihm wie sienem künftigen Erben seine Ringe. Trotzdem hinterlieb er ihm in seinem
Testatement nicht den geringsten Anteil an der Erbschaft. Val. Max. VII 8,9. Zur zeitlichen
Bestimmung der Anekdote und der Personen vgl. Münzero. Bd. XVIII S. 727, 2, der in
M.Popillius den nur inschriftlich bekannten M. Popillius M. f. (Nr. 23) verutet.” 23

Cf. H. Volkmann, RE Popillius, no.22

“ M. Popillius M. f. P.n. Laenas, Fast. Cao., Sohn von NR. 24. Er war wohl Mitglied einer
Gesandtschaft an die Oxybier in Ligurien 600 = 154 (Polyb. XXXIII 7) und wurde dann als
Gesandter zum Achäischen Bunde nach Korinth von Q. Caecilius Metellus 146 aus
Makedonien geschickt (Polyb. XXXIII 10, 1. 11, 9). Als Gesandter wird er auch in einer
Inschrift von Magnesia geehrt (Kern Inschr. V. Magnesia 123). Ob er der Praetor ist, dessen
Entscheidung Val. Max. VIII 1. Ambust. 1 rühmt, ist nicht zu entscheiden. Das Consulat
bekelidete er 615 = 139 mit Cn. Calpurnius Piso (Liv. Epit. LV Oxyr. Col. VIII Z. 191. Wo
als Pränomen des P.fälschlich C. angegeben ist. Val. Max. I 3, 2. Appian. Ib. 79) und diese
politische Verbindung scheint später durch die u. Nr. 33 erwähnte Heirat zwischen den
beiden Häusern bekräftigt worden zwischen. P. löste als Consul Q. Popeius in Hispania
Citerior ab und blieb auch im folgenden Jahre als Proconsul in dieser Provinz Zunächst
aussichtsreiche Verhandlugen mit Virathus scheiterten an rigorosen Forderungen des P. Cass.
Dio fr. 75. Diod. XXXIII 19. Nachi hm wurde ein Stadttor von Neukarthago Porta Popillia
benannt, Dess. 5333. 5334. Jedoch hatte P. gegen die Numantiner Miberfolge und wurde
deshalb u. a. von Lucilius XXVI 621 scharf angegriffen. Cichorius Untersuchg. Zu Lucilius
(1908) 30.”24

Family Tree of Popillius Laenates

23
M. Popilius senatorii ordinis had been friends with Oppius Gallus from an early age and, like his future heir,
gave him his rings when he died. Nevertheless, he did not leave behind the slightest part of the inheritance in his
testament. Val. Max. VII 8.9. For the timing of the anecdote and the people cf. Münzero. Vol. XVIII p. 727, 2,
who in M. Popillius the only known in writing M. Popillius M. f. (No. 23).
24
M. Popillius M. f. P.n. Laenas, almost. Cao., Son of NR. 24. He was probably a member of a legation to the
Oxybiers in Liguria 600 = 154 (Polyb. XXXIII 7) and was then sent as a delegate to the Achaean League to
Corinth by Q. Caecilius Metellus 146 from Macedonia (Polyb. XXXIII 10, 1.11 , 9). As an envoy, he is also
honored in an inscription by Magnesia (Kern Inschr. V. Magnesia 123). Whether he is the praetor, whose
decision is Val. Max. VIII 1. Ambust. 1 boasts, cannot be decided. He consigned the consulate 615 = 139 with
Cn. Calpurnius Piso (Liv. Epit. LV Oxyr. Col. VIII Z. 191. Where as the phenomenon of P. is incorrectly stated
C. Val. Max. I 3, 2. Appian. Ib. 79) and this political connection appears later through the u. No. 33 mentioned
marriage between the two houses has been confirmed between. P. replaced Consul Q. Popeius in Hispania
Citerior and stayed in the following year as Proconsul in this province. Initially promising negotiations with
Virathus failed due to the rigorous demands of P. Cass. Dio fr. 75. Diod. XXXIII 19. A city gate was named
after Neukarthago Porta Popillia, Dess. 5333. 5334. However, P. had succumbed to the Numantines and was
therefore u. a. attacked by Lucilius XXVI 621. Cichorius investigation To Lucilius (1908) 30.

11
Jade Thomas AHIS1220 Associate Professor Lea Beness

A slab of local limestone (Vittorio Bracco of Polla,

by letter of Mar. 7, 1956) now immured in a
monument standing on the state highway no.19, in
front of the former Osteria del Passo, just beyond to
turn into Polla, in Lucania (probably near anc.
Forum Popillii) as one comes from Salerno or Eboli.

12