Historiae Romanorum

Lucullus

Lucius Licinius Lucullus

c. 114 - 57 BC

A general famous for his strict discipline and fair governance, Lucullus was the primary lieutenant under Sulla.  After the death of Sulla, he became one of the principal leaders of the republic.

In 74 BC, as consul he obtained for himself the command against Mithridates in the Third Mithridatic War.  He achieved a series of stunning victories, and was sooned to take over Mithridates'  country of Pontus.  At this moment, Lucullus' army began to mutiny.  They had grown weary of Lucullus' strict discipline and refused to follow him any further.  With the war at a standstill, he was replaced in 74 BC by Pompey the Great.

Lucullus continued his political career for a while, but in the shadow of the first triumvirate, Lucullus retired from public life.  Having accumulated immense wealth over the course of his career, he dedicated the remainder of his life to literary pursuits and an indulgent lifestyle.

This page was last updated on August 26, 2004.