Publius Clodius Pulcher was one of the most notorious Roman politicians. He was born in 93 B.C. to an important patrician family. In 73 B.C., he accused Cataline of sex with a Vestal Virgin. Cataline was found innocent and Clodius was forced to leave Italy. He went to join his brother-in-law Lucullus, who commanded an army in the east. Clodius fomented a mutiny by the legionaries. He had to leave. Then he was captured by pirates and was set free for an embarrassingly low ransom. He joined another army and again instigated a mutiny. He was almost killed in the uprising. At age 27, he returned to Rome. He became infamous when he dressed as a woman to sneak into Julius Caesar house when he was Pontifex Maximus. The house was being used for a religious ceremony called the Bona Dea. Clodius was apparently trying to seduce Caesar’s wife Pompeia. Caesar divorced his wife and explained “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion”. Clodius was accused of sacrilege. The subsequent trial was sensational. Cicero testified against him. It seemed clear he was guilty, but enough jurors were bribed to get him off. Clodius went on to be elected a tribune. Normally, this was a plebeian position, so he had himself adopted by a plebeian man who was younger than him! It was revenge time and he accused Cicero of executions without trial when Cicero put down the Catiline coup. Cicero had to flee Italy and Clodius had his homes burned and his property confiscated. At this point, Clodius had created a gang to intimidate his political opponents. Pompey the Great spent several months in his house which was surrounded by Clodius’ thugs. A rival gang featuring gladiators was formed by Milo. The two gangs often fought in the streets. One day in 52 B.C., Clodius was traveling south on the Appian Way was 30 of his slaves/bodyguards. They encountered Milo traveling in the opposite direction. The two groups passed each other in silence, but the last pairs got into a scuffle and a full-blown gang fight ensued. Milo was wounded by a javelin. He was taken to a nearby inn where Milo’s men tracked him down and killed him (see below).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publius_Clodius_Pulcher
https://hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/hohonu/volumes/documents/Vol06x02ClodiusPulcher.pdf
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