Gaius Laelius

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Gaius Laelius, general and statesman, was a friend of Scipio Africanus, whom he accompanied on his Spanish campaign (210 BC - 206 BC).

In Scipio's consulship (205 BC), Laelius went with him to Sicily, whence he conducted an expedition to Africa. In 203 BC he defeated the Massaesylian prince Syphax, who, breaking his alliance with Scipio, had joined the Carthaginians. At Zama (202), Laelius rendered considerable service in command of the cavalry.

In 197 he was plebeian aedile and in 196 BC praetor of Sicily. 190 He was employed in organizing the recently conquered territory in Cisalpine Gaul. Placentia and Cremona were repeopled.

In the later essay On Old Age (De Senectute), by Cicero, Laelius is depicted, alongside his friend Scipio, as admiring Cato the Elder for how well he bears his old age.

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

Preceded by: Manius Acilius Glabrio and Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica

Consul of the Roman Republic with Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus 190 BC

Succeeded by: Gnaeus Manlius Vulso and Marcus Fulvius Nobilior