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Publius Clodius Pulcher: A Comprehensive Overview of His Life and Legacy

Anthony Burgess

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Published in The Patrician Tribune: Publius Clodius Pulcher (Studies In The History Of Greece And Rome)

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Publius Clodius Pulcher, a notorious figure in Roman history, was a politician and demagogue who played a pivotal role in the tumultuous events of the mid-1st century BCE. Known for his charisma, ruthlessness, and manipulation, Clodius's career was marked by controversy and scandal, leaving a lasting impact on Roman society.

The Patrician Tribune: Publius Clodius Pulcher (Studies in the History of Greece and Rome)

by W. Jeffrey Tatum

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	379 pages

Early Life and Family

Publius Clodius Pulcher was born in 92 BCE to a prominent patrician family. His father, Appius Claudius Pulcher, was a consul who served during the Social War. Clodius's mother, Cecilia Metella Balearica Minor, was the daughter of the consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus. Clodius had several siblings, including his brother Appius Claudius Pulcher, who also became a politician.

Growing up in a wealthy and influential household, Clodius received a privileged education. He was trained in rhetoric and philosophy, which would later serve him well in his political career.

Political Career

Clodius began his political career as a quaestor in Sicily in 61 BCE. During his time there, he clashed with the governor, Marcus Junius Brutus, and was accused of extortion and corruption. Despite these allegations, Clodius returned to Rome and successfully stood for the position of tribune of the plebs in 58 BCE.

As tribune, Clodius initiated a series of controversial laws that aimed to increase his popular support and weaken his political opponents. These laws included:

Distribution of free grain to the urban poor: This measure made Clodius extremely popular among the lower classes in Rome.
Exclusion of senators from the juries of criminal trials: This law was intended to punish Marcus Tullius Cicero, who had prosecuted Clodius for his alleged involvement in the Bona Dea scandal (see below).
Exile of Cicero: Clodius used his powers as tribune to force Cicero into exile for his role in the execution of Catiline's conspirators.

Clodius's actions as tribune earned him the enmity of many senators, including Pompey and Caesar. However, he retained the support of the urban poor, who benefited from his populist policies.

Bona Dea Scandal

In 62 BCE, Clodius was accused of participating in a religious ritual reserved for women only, known as the Bona Dea. This scandal threatened to ruin Clodius's reputation and political career.

According to the allegations, Clodius disguised himself as a woman and entered the house of Julius Caesar, where the ritual was being held. His presence was discovered by a maid, and a search of the premises revealed Clodius hiding in a bedroom.

Clodius was subsequently tried for sacrilege, but he was acquitted through the use of bribery and intimidation. The scandal, however, damaged his credibility and further alienated him from the Roman elite.

Rivalry with Cicero

Publius Clodius Pulcher and Marcus Tullius Cicero were bitter rivals. Their animosity stemmed from Clodius's belief that Cicero was responsible for his exile in 58 BCE.

Clodius used his tribune's platform to attack Cicero relentlessly. He organized protests against Cicero, spread rumors about his personal life, and even threatened violence against him.

Cicero responded to Clodius's attacks with a series of speeches and letters. He accused Clodius of being a criminal, a demagogue, and a threat to the Roman Republic.

Decline and Death

Clodius's political career began to decline in 56 BCE when he failed to be reelected as tribune. He continued to be a thorn in the side of the Roman establishment, but his influence was waning.

In 52 BCE, Clodius was involved in a street brawl with his rival Milo. The clash escalated into a riot, and Clodius was killed by Milo's supporters. His death sparked further violence and political instability in Rome.

Legacy

Publius Clodius Pulcher was a complex and controversial figure who left a lasting impact on Roman history. He was a gifted politician who used his charisma and ruthlessness to achieve his goals.

Clodius's actions helped to erode the authority of the Roman Senate and pave the way for the rise of Julius Caesar. His populist policies and demagogic tactics influenced the course of Roman politics for years to come.

Clodius's legacy is still debated today. Some historians view him as a champion of the poor and oppressed, while others condemn him as a ruthless and ambitious tyrant. Regardless of one's interpretation, there is no doubt that Publius Clodius Pulcher was a significant figure in the tumultuous history of the Roman Republic.