Marcus Porcius Cato

Date of Birth: 234 BC

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 149 BC

Biography

Marcus Porcius Cato, commonly known as Cato the Elder or Cato the Censor, was a prominent Roman politician, soldier, and writer who played a significant role in the Roman Republic. Born in Tusculum, a town in the Alban Hills near Rome, Cato came from a plebeian family. He worked his way up through the ranks of the Roman political system, becoming known for his oratory skills, moral integrity, and staunch conservatism. Cato began his military career during the Second Punic War and gained a reputation for his bravery and tactical acumen. He served as a military tribune in Sicily and later in Spain, where he fought alongside Scipio Africanus. After his military service, Cato entered Roman politics and was elected quaestor in 204 BC, aedile in 199 BC, and consul in 195 BC. During his consulship, he campaigned successfully in Spain, earning further military honors. Cato’s most significant political role came when he was elected censor in 184 BC. As censor, he was responsible for maintaining the census, overseeing public morality, and managing public finances. He used his position to promote his conservative values, advocating for traditional Roman virtues and opposing the Hellenistic influences that were becoming prevalent in Roman society. In addition to his political career, Cato was an accomplished writer. He authored works on agriculture, oratory, and history. His most famous work, “De Agri Cultura” (On Agriculture), is the oldest surviving complete prose work in Latin and provides valuable insights into Roman agricultural practices. Cato’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of the Roman Republic and his efforts to preserve its traditional values. He remained active in politics until his death, continuing to influence Roman society through his speeches and writings.

5 Interesting Facts about Marcus Porcius Cato

1. Cato was known for ending his speeches with the phrase “Carthago delenda est” (Carthage must be destroyed), emphasizing his belief that Rome’s rival, Carthage, should be completely annihilated.

2. He was a self-made man who rose from modest beginnings to become one of Rome’s most influential statesmen.

3. Cato was a strict censor, known for his efforts to curb luxury and moral corruption in Roman society.

4. He wrote the first history of Rome in Latin, although only fragments of this work have survived.

5. Cato was also a keen agriculturalist and his writings on farming were highly influential in Roman agricultural practices.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marcus Porcius Cato

1. “Carthago delenda est” (Carthage must be destroyed).

2. “Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the wise.”

3. “Grasp the subject, the words will follow.”

4. “After I’m dead I’d rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.”

5. “He who hesitates is lost.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures on Cato’s wealth are not available, it is known that he was relatively wealthy for a Roman of his time, owning several estates and benefiting from his military and political career. However, he was also known for his frugality and simple lifestyle.