Marcus Junius Brutus the Elder

Marcus Junius Brutus, sometimes referred to by modern historians as Marcus Junius Brutus the Elder to distinguish him from his more famous son, was a tribune of the Roman Republic in 83 BC^[1] and the founder of the colony in Capua.^[2] He was the first husband to Servilia Caepionis, the elder half-sister of Cato the Younger. His son by Servilia is the Marcus Junius Brutus who was one of the chief assassins of Julius Caesar.

In 77 BC Brutus was placed in command of the forces in Cisalpine Gaul following the death of Lucius Cornelius Sulla who had been dictator. He also placed in command at Mutina where he withstood the attacks from Pompey the Great for a while. For reasons unknown, he put himself and his troops in the power of Pompey, on the understanding that their lives should be spared. Nonetheless, Pompey ordered his death and forwarded to Rome the news of his surrender and execution. The senate blamed Pompey for the perfidious act.^[3][4][5] He is quoted by Cicero to have been well skilled in public and private law.^[6]

Family Tree

• (1)=1st spouse
• (2)=2nd spouse
• x=assassin of Caesar

See also

• Junia (gens)

Notes

1. ^ Cic. pro Quint. 20
2. ^ De lege agraria ii. 33, 34, 36
3. ^ Plut. Pomp. 16
4. ^ Appian, B. C. ii. Ill
5. ^ Liv. Epit 90.
6. ^ Cicero, Brutus 36.