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Quintus NeposAncient Roman politician, military leader, consul 98 BC.
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos
Early Life and CareerQuintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos was a prominent Roman politician and military commander during the late Roman Republic. He was the son of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos, consul in 98 BC, and the brother of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer, consul in 60 BC.
Political and Military Service
As a tribune of the plebs, Nepos obstructed Marcus Tullius Cicero from delivering a speech in the final days of his consulship. This action was seen as an insult by Cicero, who had recently been hailed as the "father of the fatherland" for exposing the Catiline conspiracy. Nepos even attempted to prosecute Cicero for illegally executing Roman citizens, though this initiative ultimately failed.
Upon his election as consul in 57 BC, Nepos supported the tribune Clodius and facilitated Cicero's exile from Rome. However, when Clodius's influence grew excessive and threatened the stability of Rome, Nepos joined those demanding Cicero's return.
In 56 BC, Nepos became proconsul of Nearer Spain. Cicero praised his oratorical abilities and education but noted that his speeches focused more on politics than on legal matters.
