Marcus Furius Camillus: The Life of Rome's Second Founder

Camillus was a Roman general and statesman who served as a censor, was elected to six consular tribuneships, appointed dictator five times, and enjoyed four triumphs. He toppled the mighty Veii, ejected the Senones from Rome following its sacking, and helped orchestrate a grand compromise between the patricians and plebeians. Despite never holding the consulship, he was revered for his Roman virtue and considered Rome's second founder.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Camillus, a prominent Roman, held various roles throughout his career. He served as a censor, was elected to six consular tribuneships, was appointed dictator five times, and enjoyed four triumphs. His achievements were remarkable, as he toppled the mighty Veii, ejected the Senones from Rome following its sacking, and helped orchestrate a grand compromise between the patricians and plebeians. The Romans held him in high regard, considering him Rome's second founder, a proud appellation for any Roman. They revered him for his exemplar of Roman virtue.

Interestingly, Camillus never held the consulship, a position that was often at the heart of controversy during his lifetime. Plutarch stated that Camillus had avoided it on purpose, as the office was often dominated by the patricians, who held sway for most of Camillus's life. The appointment of a dictator was an emergency measure taken only in the direst of situations, and the fact that Camillus was repeatedly appointed speaks of a period when the young Republic was surrounded by enemies and still fighting for survival. Without Camillus's efforts, the city may never have fulfilled its great destiny.

Marc Hyden, in his book "Camillus: The Rise and Fall of Rome's First Hero", sifts through the fragmentary and contradictory sources to present the story of Camillus's remarkable life as the ancient Romans knew it. He acknowledges that much legend and exaggeration quickly accrued around Camillus's name, but he strives to present a balanced and accurate account of this influential Roman's life.

Camillus was born into a noble family in Rome in the early 6th century BC. He grew up in a time of political instability and civil wars, which shaped his character and worldview. Despite his noble background, Camillus was known for his modesty and humility, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

As a young man, Camillus served in the Roman army, fighting against the neighboring Etruscans and Gauls. He demonstrated his bravery and leadership skills in battle, earning the respect of his fellow soldiers and the admiration of his commanders. After his military service, Camillus returned to Rome and entered politics.

He was elected to the Senate, where he served for several years. During this time, he gained a reputation for his integrity and his commitment to the welfare of the Roman people. He was also known for his opposition to the corruption and extravagance of the patrician class, which dominated Roman politics at the time.

In 534 BC, Rome was besieged by the Gauls, led by the fierce warrior Vercingetorix. The city was on the brink of collapse, and the patrician class was divided over how to respond. Camillus, however, was determined to save Rome. He rallied the people of Rome and led them in a fierce battle against the Gauls.

Camillus's leadership was decisive, and his troops emerged victorious. The Gauls were defeated, and Rome was saved. Camillus was hailed as a hero, and he was appointed dictator, a temporary position of great power and authority.

As dictator, Camillus implemented several reforms that aimed to improve the lives of the Roman people. He redistributed land to the poor, reformed the tax system, and established a system of justice that was fair and impartial. He also worked to strengthen the Roman army, which was crucial for the protection of the city.

Despite his achievements, Camillus's reign was not without controversy. Some members of the patrician class opposed his reforms, and they plotted to overthrow him. Camillus was aware of the danger and took steps to protect himself. He surrounded himself with loyal followers, and he established a network of spies and informers to keep him informed of any threats to his rule.

In 510 BC, the patrician class finally succeeded in overthrowing Camillus and restoring the traditional order of Roman politics. Camillus was exiled, and he spent the rest of his life in exile. He died in 486 BC, at the age of 81.

Camillus's legacy, however, remains strong. He is remembered as a hero and a champion of the Roman people. His achievements in saving Rome from the Gauls and his efforts to reform the Roman government have inspired generations of Romans and have shaped the course of Roman history.

In conclusion, Camillus was a remarkable Roman who held various roles throughout his career. He served as a censor, was elected to six consular tribuneships, was appointed dictator five times, and enjoyed four triumphs. His achievements were remarkable, as he toppled the mighty Veii, ejected the Senones from Rome following its sacking, and helped orchestrate a grand compromise between the patricians and plebeians. The Romans held him in high regard, considering him Rome's second founder, a proud appellation for any Roman. Despite never holding the consulship, Camillus's legacy remains strong, and he is remembered as a hero and a champion of the Roman people. His achievements in saving Rome from the Gauls and his efforts to reform the Roman government have inspired generations of Romans and have shaped the course of Roman history.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 241 x 166 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399055789