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Gaius Antonius HybridaAncient Roman statesman and military leader
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Gaius Antonius Hybrida
- Ruthless Proscriptions and Exclusion from Senate
- Rise and Fall as Consul
- Involvement in Catiline's Conspiracy
- Conviction for Extortion and Exile
Gaius Antonius Hybrida
Early Life and CareerBorn around 106 BC as the second son of Marcus Antonius Orator, Gaius Antonius Hybrida was a Roman statesman and military leader who hailed from the Antonian gens. During the civil war of 83-82 BC between Lucius Cornelius Sulla and his opponents, Hybrida participated in Sulla's proscriptions and pillaged Greece.
Ruthless Proscriptions and Exclusion from Senate
His nickname, "Hybrida," reflects his notorious cruelty in treating prisoners and employing torture. Following his actions, Hybrida faced legal challenges from those he plundered in Greece and was subsequently expelled from the Senate by censors.
Rise and Fall as Consul
Despite his reputation, Hybrida's plebeian background allowed him to become a tribune of the plebs in 71 BC. In 64 BC, he campaigned for the consulship for the following year alongside Lucius Sergius Catilina, Marcus Tullius Cicero, Publius Galba, Lucius Cassius Longinus, Quintus Cornificius, and Gaius Licinius. Quintus Cicero's letter to his brother Mark characterized Hybrida as a murderer, libertine, and bankrupt. Nevertheless, Hybrida was elected consul with Cicero.
Involvement in Catiline's Conspiracy
In 63 BC, Hybrida secretly participated in Catiline's conspiracy. After Catiline's flight to the north, he assumed command of the army sent to confront the conspirators but did not participate in the battle at Pistoria (62 BC).
Conviction for Extortion and Exile
Hybrida later faced charges of extortion in Macedonia and was convicted and exiled. However, Julius Caesar facilitated his return from exile, and in 42 BC, he became a censor.
