Lepidus

Profession: General and Statesman

Nationality:

Biography: Marcus Aemilius Lepidus became one of the most powerful men in Rome as part of the Second Triumvirate. He served alongside Octavian and Mark Antony in this ruling coalition that governed the Roman Republic following Julius Caesar's assassination.

Lepidus came from a prominent Roman family. His father, also named Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, led a failed rebellion against the Roman Senate in 78 BC. Despite this, the younger Lepidus rose through the ranks of Roman politics, aligning himself with Julius Caesar.

After Caesar's death in 44 BC, Lepidus used his military forces to help maintain order in Rome. He was then appointed pontifex maximus, the highest religious office in Rome. In 43 BC, Lepidus joined Octavian and Mark Antony to form the Second Triumvirate, dividing control of Roman territories among them.

Lepidus was given control of Africa, but his power within the triumvirate gradually diminished. In 36 BC, he attempted to claim Sicily from Octavian, which led to his removal from power. Octavian allowed Lepidus to keep his role as pontifex maximus, but he was effectively sidelined from politics.

Historians have often portrayed Lepidus as the weakest member of the triumvirate. The Roman orator Cicero described him as indecisive and incompetent. Some scholars, however, today suggest that this view may have been shaped by the propaganda of his political rivals.

Birthplace: Circeii, Roman Empire