The family of Gaius Maecenas hailed from Arretium. He was a member of the equestrian class, and according to Velleius was content to remain so. The high-flying senatorial career held no attractions for him; he was talented in other directions. Whenever he was called upon to take action, he displayed an almost sleepless energy and was capable of an intuitive foresight; equally, when there was occasion for it, his love of leisure and academic pursuits consumed him to the exclusion of all else. Though he was not a soldier, Maecenas was present at the battles of Mutina and Philippi, and from 40 onwards he was entrusted with a variety of diplomatic missions on Octavian's behalf without being endowed, or perhaps encumbered, with any form of office or magistracy. Though he played a great part in public life his exploits are less public than those of Agrippa, since for much of the time he either worked in the background or carried out confidential missions which have remained confidential. He attracted a circle of literary and scholarly writers, and used this influence in the cause of Augustus, but not just on the normal scale for the aggrandisement of one man; it was the entire state that was lauded and promoted via that one man. At some time before 23, Maecenas married Terentia, a sister of A. Terentius Varro Murena. He divorced her in 12, allegedly because of Augustus' overwhelming interest in her. It was thought for a long time that A. Terentius Varro Murena, consul designate for 23, was involved in a plot with Fannius Caepio to assassinate Augustus, but it seems certain now that the Varro Murena implicated in this mysterious affair was a different man, namely L. Licinius Varro Murena, who defended Marcus Primus and lost his case. Some opprobrium may have fallen upon Maecenas because of his relationship to the family, but it is probably just inflated rumour. The scandal, whatever it may have been, was said to have destroyed his relationship with Augustus and brought about his fall from favour, but it has been argued recently that there was no quarrel at all, merely a change of roles whereby Maecenas set up the literary circle and its productions, and Augustus gradually took control of it himself, when he had time to pay attention to that side of political life. It is established that Maecenas withdrew from public life, though a specific date cannot be ascertained. After 23, he played little part in government, perhaps because his diplomacy and tact were no longer needed, or because he wished to enjoy life after the initial turmoil. He died in 8, four years after the death of Agrippa.

From: Augustus
Book by Pat Southern