Cato the Younger

Cato the Younger, full name Marcus Porcius Cato (95-46 BC), Roman statesman, the great-grandson of Cato the Elder, born in Rome. His conduct in his first important public office, that of quaestor in 65 BC, gave him a reputation for frugality and honesty. He was an ardent opponent of the First Triumvirate, comprising Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and Marcus Crassus. He also opposed Pompey's demand on returning from his victories in the East for land for his veterans, a step that had become the means of building a personal following.

In 60 Cato opposed the candidacy of Julius Caesar for the consulship. Cato's influence was so great that the triumvirs sent him on a two-year mission to Cyprus to remove him from active politics. During the civil war between Caesar and Pompey in 49, Cato sided with Pompey. He attempted unsuccessfully to defend Sicily against Caesar's forces and maintained a hopeless defence in the city of Utica, in Africa, after which he committed suicide rather than surrender to Caesar. His writings, except for a letter to the statesman and orator Marcus Cicero, have not survived; however, his reputation as an incorruptible citizen who stood for republican and traditional Roman values became proverbial. Cato was the father-in-law of Marcus Brutus.