Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 128 BC |
| Died | 63 BC (aged c. 65) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician and military leader |
| Office |
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| Relatives | Metellus Numidicus (father) Metellus Scipio (adopted son) |
| Military service | |
| Years of service | 109–72 BC |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards | Roman triumph |
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius (c. 128 – 63 BC) was a general and statesman of the Roman Republic. His father Metellus Numidicus was banished from Rome through the machinations of Gaius Marius. He, because of his constant and unbending attempts to have his father officially recalled from exile, was given the agnomen (nickname) Pius.[2]
During the civil wars between 88 and 80 BC, Pius sided with Lucius Cornelius Sulla. He successfully commanded Sulla's forces in the northern theatre (northern Italy and Cisalpine Gaul). In 81 BC he became pontifex maximus, then consul the following year alongside Sulla. As proconsul Pius fought against Sertorius (a former supporter of Marius) on the Iberian peninsula; in the so-called Sertorian War. He served alongside Pompey slowly grinding down the rebels from 79 to 72/71 BC. For his victories during the Sertorian War he was granted a triumph.