Trial of Marcus Celius

In 56 BCE Marcus Celius, a former protégé of Cicero and the later supporter of Caesar, was accused by Clodia – his ex-mistress of trying to poison her. Celius was also charged with the assassination of Egypt’s emissary, Dion.

He came to Rome to seek support for Berenice IV and was murdered shortly after arriving in the city. Celius’s defenses were taken by Cicero and Marcus Crassus. Eventually, Celius was acquitted after Cicero convinced the judges that Clodia’s accusation was only revenge for abandoning her. It is worth noting that in the speech there were also many – typical for Cicero – acrimonious allusions as to the conduct of Clodia which have worsened her – and without this bad – reputation.

Read more

Marcus Licinius Crassus Cicero Wars of second triumvirate Great Roman civil war Battle of Carrhae