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Marcellus

Type Figure Region Italy Time c. -268–-208 Also known as Claudius Marcellus

An outstanding Roman military commander of antiquity and one of Rome's most aggressive generals during the Second Punic War, standing in sharp contra…

Timeline

  1. c. -268–-222Rome · RomeOf the Claudian gens, he distinguished himself early in the Gallic Wars. In 222 BCE he killed the Gallic chieftain Virdomarus and was awarded the spolia opima, becoming the third man in Roman history to receive this honor and establishing his reputation as a first-rate warrior.
  2. -214–-212Syracuse · SyracuseLeading troops in Sicily, he finally stormed Syracuse after a prolonged siege, ending the city's support for Carthage. Great wealth and Greek artworks were carried back to Rome, including the famous incident connected with the death of Archimedes. This campaign consolidated Roman control of the western Mediterranean.
  3. -209–-208Venusia · VenusiaBack on Italian soil he continued to lead the pursuit of Hannibal, adopting a more aggressive offensive strategy than Fabius. In 208 BCE, in a skirmish near Venusia, he was ambushed and killed through overconfidence and rash advance; Rome mourned, having lost one of its most offensive-minded commanders.

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