Publius Clodius Pulcher
Publius Clodius Pulcher was a notable figure in late Republican Rome, primarily recognized for his rivalry with the orator Cicero. Born a patrician, Clodius strategically adopted himself into a plebeian family to better position himself for political office, eventually serving as tribune of the plebs in 58 BCE. His legislative actions included a bill aimed at exiling those who executed Roman citizens without trial, a direct challenge to Cicero, who faced exile as a result. Clodius's political career was marked by his close associations with powerful leaders, particularly Julius Caesar, yet he is increasingly acknowledged as a significant independent player in the political landscape. His life came to a violent end in 52 BCE when he was killed by Titus Annius Milo, a staunch ally of Cicero. Clodius was also related to Clodia, who was the subject of Cicero's criticisms and is believed to have inspired the character Lesbia in the poetry of Catullus. Overall, Clodius Pulcher's actions and legacy reflect the tumultuous nature of Roman politics during his time.
Publius Clodius Pulcher
Related civilization: Republican Rome
Major role/position: Politician
Life
Publius Clodius Pulcher (PUHB-lee-uhs KLOHD-ee-uhs PUHL-kuhr) is best known as the archenemy of Cicero, who testified against him on the charge of profaning the rites of the Bona Dea in 61 b.c.e. After serving as quaestor in Sicily, he had himself adopted into a plebeian gens—he was patrician by birth—probably with support from Julius Caesar, in order to seek the office of tribune of the plebs (common people), which he then held in 58 b.c.e. Along with other legislation, he sponsored a bill to exile anyone who had executed Roman citizens without trial. This was aimed particularly at Cicero, who was exiled but later recalled. In 52 b.c.e., Clodius stood for the office of praetor, but before the elections could take place, he was murdered by Titus Annius Milo, a strong supporter of Cicero.
Influence
Clodius has often been viewed as a pawn of more powerful figures, namely Caesar, but he has begun to be seen as an independent force in Roman politics. He was the brother of Clodia, who was attacked by Cicero in 56 b.c.e. in the speech Pro Caelio (English translation in The Orations, 1741-1743) and who was often thought to lie behind the Lesbia of Catullus’s poems.
Bibliography
Gruen, E. S. The Last Generation of the Roman Republic. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974.
Tatum, W. J. The Patrician Tribune: Publius Clodius Pulcher. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1999.