Gaius Norbanus Ancient Roman politician and military leader, consul 83 BC. Date of Birth: . Country: Greece

1. Caius Norbanus: A Son of the Republic
2. Tribunate and the Downfall of Quintus Servilius Caepio
3. Questorship in the East
4. Continued Career and Prosecution
5. Governorship of Sicily and Consulate
6. Defeat in the Civil War
7. Flight, Betrayal, and Death
8. Legacy

Caius Norbanus: A Son of the Republic

In the annals of the Roman Republic, Caius Norbanus stands as a significant figure, a man whose political career was marked by both triumph and tragedy.

Tribunate and the Downfall of Quintus Servilius Caepio

Caius Norbanus emerged in the historical record in 103 BC as a tribune of the plebs. Aligned with the populist politician Lucius Appuleius Saturninus, Norbanus played a pivotal role in a high-profile trial that would have far-reaching consequences.

The target of Norbanus's ire was Quintus Servilius Caepio, an influential patrician who had overseen the devastating defeat of two Roman armies at the hands of the Germanic tribes at Arausio in 105 BC. Norbanus exploited this disaster to accuse Caepio of embezzlement and treason, using the Lex Saturnia de Maiestate to bring him to trial before a special commission.

The trial was a bitter affair, with the optimates and populares clashing over the fate of Caepio. Despite fierce resistance from the aristocracy, Norbanus secured Caepio's conviction. The disgraced general was exiled and his vast wealth was confiscated and sold. This was the first known instance of such a confiscation in the Republic's history.

Questorship in the East

Norbanus's success in the prosecution of Caepio opened the door for his advancement in the traditional cursus honorum of a Roman politician. In 102 BC, he was elected quaestor and accompanied the praetor Marcus Antonius Orator to the East on an expedition against Cilician pirates.

Details of this mission are scarce, but it is known that Norbanus and Antonius stopped at Athens and Rhodes before engaging with the pirates. It is believed that Roman forces launched operations both on land and at sea, possibly conducting an incursion into Cilicia through the Taurus Mountains.

Continued Career and Prosecution

Norbanus's return to Rome is unknown, but his political prospects were likely hampered by the legislation of Lucius Licinius Crassus in 95 BC, which aimed to suppress the influence of non-Roman citizens in Roman politics.

Around 95-94 BC, Norbanus faced yet another trial, this time as the defendant. His accuser was Marcus Antonius's son, Publius Sulpicius Rufus, who charged Norbanus with violating the tribunician veto and using violence during the trial of Caepio's father. Despite the testimony of Marcus Emilius Scaurus, an influential aristocrat and former consul, Norbanus's defense was unexpected. Marcus Antonius, his former commander, intervened on his behalf, arguing that Norbanus was his "adopted son" and dismissing Scaurus's accusations.

Governorship of Sicily and Consulate

After his acquittal, Norbanus resumed his political career. He served as praetor and governor of Sicily in 88 or 87 BC. Despite his political rivals' hostility, Norbanus proved to be an effective administrator, receiving praise from Cicero for his efficient and just governance of the province.

Norbanus's ability to maintain peace in Sicily during the outbreak of civil war in Italy earned him further respect. When the forces of Lucius Cornelius Sulla began to cross over to the mainland, Norbanus responded swiftly, deploying his legions to protect Rhegium from the rebellious Italians.

By the mid-80s BC, the Marian party held control over Italy and the western provinces. In 84 BC, as a compromise measure to appease both sides, Norbanus was elected consul alongside the patrician general Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus.

Defeat in the Civil War

Sulla's invasion of Italy in 83 BC ignited a new phase of civil war. Despite commanding a superior force to Sulla's, Norbanus and Scipio failed to coordinate their actions and allowed Sulla to land unimpeded.

In the first major battle of the war at Mount Tifata, Norbanus suffered a decisive defeat. His army was routed, forcing him to retreat to Capua. A subsequent attempt by Norbanus to engage Sulla's forces in northern Italy also ended in disaster at Faunentia, where he was utterly defeated and fled with a mere thousand survivors to Ariminum.

Flight, Betrayal, and Death

As Sulla's forces closed in, local leaders in Ariminum turned against Norbanus, cutting off his escape. Disillusioned and seeing no hope of victory, Norbanus fled to Rhodes.

When Sulla issued his proscription list, Norbanus's name appeared among the first. The Rhodian authorities were pressured to hand him over. Faced with imminent capture, Norbanus took his own life by stabbing himself in the city square.

Legacy

Caius Norbanus's career was a testament to the complexities of Roman politics. As a "new citizen," he faced obstacles and opposition throughout his rise to power. However, through skill, determination, and alliances with powerful figures, he achieved the highest magistracy of the Republic, only to fall victim to the inevitable cycle of civil strife.

Norbanus left behind a legacy that extended beyond his death. His son, also named Caius Norbanus, served as a military tribune in his father's war against Sulla. His grandson, Caius Norbanus Flaccus, became consul in 38 BC, perpetuating the family's involvement in the tumultuous events of the late Republic.