v21_2204 - PLANCIA Denier

PLANCIA

(55 BC)

Cnæus Plancius, Roman knight, originally from Atina in Latium is the son of a "publicanus", (agricultural tax collector). He first served in Africa with Aulus Torquatus as propraetor. He was then under the orders of proconsul Quintus Metellus in Crete in 68 BC, then military tribune in Macedonia in 62 BC under the command of Caius Antonius. Quaestor in the same province in 58 BC under Lucius Appuleius, he became Cicero's friend during his exile. He was tribune of the plebs in 56 BC. In 55 BC, during the second consulship of Pompey and Crassus, he received the office of curule aedile with Aulus Plautius. Before taking office, he was accused by Quintus Metellus Creticus of electoral corruption and was defended by Cicero (pro Plancio). Acquitted, he remains faithful to Pompey and must go into exile in Corcyra after the triumph of Caesar.