Marcus Claudius

Also known as: Marcellus · Family: Roman · Role: consul and general · First appears: Marcellus

Marcus Claudius, also known as Marcellus, was a Roman consul and general. In Sicily, he protected and saved his brother Otacilius when they were surrounded in battle. At Rome, he prosecuted Capitolinus, securing his condemnation and a fine; he later accused him again when Capitolinus tried to evade impeachment. He had a son, Marcus, admired for his beauty and character, while Capitolinus had also sought to abuse the youth. Marcellus was declared consul with Cnaeus Cornelius as his colleague, and Publicius Bibulus was induced to accuse him.

At Clastidium, Marcellus slew Britomartus, king of the Gaesatae, and the Gauls surrendered their towns and made peace with Rome. At Nola, he defeated Hannibal’s soldiers, who “for the first time turned their backs to the Romans.” Hannibal feared him as an adversary, while Fabius Maximus was called Rome’s buckler and Marcellus its sword. Bantius became his faithful assistant and ally. In Sicily, Marcellus was first incensed by injuries from Hippocrates and faced Archimedes and his machines; he also negotiated over Damippus. When Nicias’s wife and children escaped to him at Syracuse, Marcellus freed them and rewarded Nicias with lands and presents.

Marcellus seized a tower and entered Syracuse through the Hexapylum before daybreak. The senate later acquitted him, and “the fifth time created consul.” He chose Quintus Fulvius as dictator, and in another campaign took Crispinus and his son Marcus, a tribune of soldiers, with him. Marcellus died in Hannibal’s ambush; Crispinus died days later from his wounds.