Another Voice Against the ‘Tyranny’ of Scipio Aemilianus in 129 B.C.?

Abstract

This paper contends that an item preserved by Pseudoacron (Schol. Hor. serm. 2.1.72) records a public retort directed at Scipio Aemilianus by Q. Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus (cos. 143) during the volatile debates of 129 B.C. and, more particularly, at the assembly during which Scipio accused the heckling citizenry of recent servile status. It suggests Macedonicus added his voice to those arguing that Scipio’s political aspirations were inappropriate by the standards of a republic and were threatening libertas. The episode also illustrates the dynamics of Roman contiones.

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