|
The third century before the common era was a time of empire-making and empire-breaking especially in the western Mediterranean, where a conflict was brewing that would shape the future of the known world. |
Second Punic War (218-201BC)
(- threads, 48 posts)
 Marcus Claudius Marcellus
Historical Thread
|
"This, stranger, was Rome's divine star, Claudius Marcellus, of Rome's great family" Inscription in the Temple of Athena in Lindos Plutarch, Life of Marcellus
Apart from his military training, Marcellus was poorly educated - indeed it was claimed that he was illiterate. He served with distinction during the First Punic War and was decorated for saving his brother's life in battle. By 222BC, he was consul serving alongside Cnaeus Cornelius Scipio in capturing Milan. Probably his greatest achievement came when he killed a Gallic chieftain in single combat, enabling him to dedicate the spolia opima - the last man to do so and the only non semi-mythological man. Marcellus was charged with restoring order following the disaster at Cannae and in 215BC was elected consul with Quintus Fabius Maximus. the pair recaptured Casilinum in Campania. Posted to Sicily in 214BC, Marcellus set about the reduction of Syracuse, however, frustrated by Archimedes and his infernal machines, he was forced to besiege the city. Eventually Syracuse fell through treachery and Archimedes was slain, much to the consul's displeasure. Marcellus was consul again in 210BC and faced off against Hannibal, who was still ensconed in Italy. After fighting for much of the year, Marcellus's army was exhausted and incapable. Despite this he was consul again the next year but near Venusia he was ambushed and killed by Hannibal's Numidian cavalry. The Marcellans remained in high regard with a certain Caius Marcellus being the brother-in-law to Augustus himself.
