
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (died around
13 BC)
Lepidus was the third member, together with
Mark Antony and
Octavian of the
Second Triumvirate.
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was a Roman statesman and general who rose to prominence during the turbulent final years
of the Roman Republic.
Born around 89 BC to a prestigious patrician family, Lepidus began his political career by supporting Julius Caesar,
serving as his magister equitum (master of horse) in 46-44 BC.
Following Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Lepidus strategically positioned himself between the Caesarian and
Republican factions. His control of several legions made him a valuable ally, and in late 43 BC, he joined with
Octavian (later Augustus) and Mark Antony to form the Second Triumvirate — a political alliance officially
known as the "Triumvirate for Organizing the Republic."
As a triumvir, Lepidus received control of Hispania and Narbonese Gaul, though he was clearly the junior partner
compared to his more ambitious colleagues.
He served as Pontifex Maximus (chief priest) and held the consulship twice, in 46 and 42 BC.
Lepidus's position weakened significantly in 36 BC when he attempted to challenge Octavian's authority in
Sicily. After his troops deserted him for Octavian, Lepidus was stripped of all his positions except
Pontifex Maximus and forced into exile in Circeii***.
*** = Modern Circeo, town located on the western coast of Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea, situated on the
promontory of Mount Circeo, roughly halfway between Rome and Naples.
He lived in obscurity until his death in 13 or 12 BC, politically marginalized but technically
still Rome's chief priest.
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