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Biographies of Romans

The history of ancient Rome saw the emergence of many outstanding figures who left a lasting mark on the history of the world. Some of them are remembered by posterity as cruel tyrants, such as Caligula, Nero, and Caracalla. Others became renowned as reformers and builders of the Roman state’s power, including Augustus, Claudius, Marcus Aurelius, Diocletian, and Constantine the Great. It is also impossible to ignore the Roman generals, who often saved the state from collapse.

History also includes outstanding figures of Roman culture – writers, philosophers, and artists whose work had a profound impact on the development of European civilization. In this section, I present profiles of individuals who achieved great deeds or whose actions left a lasting mark on the pages of history.

Scipio Africanus the Younger

(185 - 129 BCE)

Scipio Africanus the Younger was an outstanding Roman commander from the period of the Third Punic War who conquered Carthage. An advocate of ancient Roman ideals.

Sculpture probably showing Scipio Africanus the Younger

Cornelia Africana the Younger

(c. 190-100 BCE)

Cornelia Africana the Younger went down in history as an exemplary Roman matron who lived in accordance with Roman values ​​and as the mother of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchi.

Cornelia Rejecting the Crown of the Ptolemies, Laurent de La Hyre

Polybius

(c. 200 - c. 118 BCE)

Polybius was a Greek historian and chronicler during the Republic. He was famous for his care for historical truth and his critical attitude towards sources.

Polybius

Cato the Elder

(234 - 149 BCE)

Cato the Elder was a Roman orator, politician, and writer. Propagator of strict Roman customs and virtues. Supporter of the destruction of Carthage.

Bust of an older man – the so-called patrician Torlonia. Considered to be a likeness of Cato the Elder

Scipio Africanus the Elder

(236 - 183 BCE)

Scipio Africanus the Elder was a Roman commander and politician. He went down in history as the defender of Rome against Hannibal and the winner of Zama in 202 CE.

Bust of Scipio Africanus the Elder

Massinissa

(c. 238 - c. 148 BCE)

Masinissa was the first king of the Numidians (202-148 BCE). His state included the present territories of eastern Algeria and western Tunisia.

Massinissa

Ennius

(239 - 169 BCE)

Ennius was a Roman poet, considered the father of Roman poetry. Only fragments of his work have survived to our times.

Ennius

Plautus

(c. 250 - 184 BCE)

Plautus was a Roman comedy writer, one of the oldest Roman writers, whose works have been preserved in larger fragments to our times.

Plautus

Fabius Maximus Cunctator

(c. 280 - 203 BCE)

Fabius Maximus Cunctator was a Roman politician and leader. His nickname Cunctator was derived from his strategy during the Second Punic War.

Quintus Fabius "the Delayer"

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