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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. |
Third Punic War (149-146BC)
(- threads, 34 posts)
 Marcus Porcius Cato
Historical Thread
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"Delenda est Carthago!!" Marcus Porcius Cato after all his speeches no matter what the subject after 150BC
Cato claimed that his family was old and distinguished. He was not lying but refrained from mentioning that they were not from Rome. Born in Tusculum, Cato inherited his father's farm in Sabine country and became a farmer. He fought during the Hannibalic War alongside Quintus Fabius Maximus at the recapture of Tarentum and later fought at Metaurus River. In 205BC, Cato served as quaestor to Scipio Africanus and despised the general's easy-going ways and philhellenism. In 199BC he was aedile and restored the festival of the plebian games. As praetor in Sicily he proved to be extremely frugal and utterly incorruptible. He rose to consul in 195BC and caused a stir by defending the Oppian Law (the law requiring women to wear less than a pound of gold). Cato then fought an impeccable war in Spain, bringing vast wealth to Rome and celebrated a triumph. In Greece, he claims to have turned the pass of Thermopylae (almost certainly false). In Rome, he was almost completely responsible for the unwarranted political destruction of the Scipios. He became censor in 184BC after a brutal election campaign against the Scpionic clan. His censorship was also a brutal affair. Luxury goods were taxed, public buildings were repaired, statues were raised and pulled down, and private vendettas satisfied (he removed Lucius Scipio's state paid horse). Following his censorship, Cato spent most of his time as an advocate and is thought to have only ever lost one case. In his latter years, he became alarmed by the size and wealth of a rejuvenated Carthage and began to preach "Delenda est Carthago!!" - Carthage must be destroyed!! He got his wish in 146BC when, ironically, another Scipio, Aemilianus, wiped Carthage from the face of the map. However, Cato failed to live long enough to see it, dying of old age in 149BC. Revered by the Romans, Cato is viewed more ambivalently today. True his integrity and incorruptibility are beyond doubt but he was inhumane to his slaves after he came to Rome and merciless to his enemies. His success in politics stems more from petty spite, fed by jealousy, and surely there is no excuse for his treatment of Rome's greatest general, Scipio Africanus?
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The Social Insecurity Of Cato (* Kallistos Alexandros, Nov 13, 2004 - 18:17 ) What good did Cato do? (* Publius Fabius Scipio, Nov 13, 2004 - 14:12 ) Cato’s Patriotism (* Kallistos Alexandros, Nov 13, 2004 - 09:14 ) Everyone Hates Cato (* Publius Fabius Scipio, Nov 12, 2004 - 16:33 ) Why Everyone Hates Cato (* P. Cornelius Scipio, Nov 12, 2004 - 16:26 ) Yes but... (* Publius Fabius Scipio, Oct 4, 2004 - 08:21 ) At Least He Is In The Discussion (* Kallistos Alexandros, Oct 3, 2004 - 23:04 ) Well... I tried {nt} (* Publius Fabius Scipio, Oct 3, 2004 - 21:05 ) Cato (* Kallistos Alexandros, Sep 30, 2004 - 15:46 ) As much as i hate him... (* Publius Fabius Scipio, Sep 30, 2004 - 08:19 )|
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