Lucullus
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Template:Campaignbox First Mithridatic War Template:Campaignbox Third Mithridatic War Template:Campaignbox Mithridatic Wars Lucius Licinius Lucullus (c. 118-56 BC) was a consul of ancient Rome, a supporter of Sulla and victor in the East.
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Biography
Born in Rome, he was a grandson of the consul Lucius Licinius Lucullus, and a nephew of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus. Initially serving in the Social War under Sulla, as quaestor in 88 BC he was the only officer to support Sulla's march on Rome. He also supported Sulla in the First Mithridatic War, winning the naval Battle of Tenedos for him.
He became aedile in 79 BC, along with his brother Marcus Terentius Varro Lucullus, and gave splendid games.
As general in the east
He became consul in 74, and took the field against Mithridates VI in the Third Mithridatic War. He also led an attack against Tigranes II of Armenia, defeating him in the battle of Artaxata (October 6th 68 BC).
His attempts to reform the rapacious Roman administration in Asia made him increasingly unpopular; once his authority over his legions was undermined by the efforts of his brother in law Publius Clodius Pulcher, he was replaced by Pompey.
As an decadent
In his retirement, he was known for his extravagance.
He was probably the only Roman of note in the late Republic who expressed interest in the idea of building a public library.
Lucullus was the man responsible for bringing the sweet cherry and the apricot to Rome.
See also
References
- Plutarch, Lucullus
Template:Plutarch's livesnl:Lucius Licinius Lucullus es:Lúculo de:Lukullus it:Lucio Lucullo ja:ルキウス・リキニウス・ルクルス ru:Лукулл