L. Calpurnius Bestia 24

vol. III p.1367

24) L. Calpurnius Bestia

He took part in the Catilinarian conspiracy in 691 = 63, and had been elected tribune of the plebs for the following year (Sall. Cat. 17, 3). According to the conspirators’ plans, once he had entered office he was supposed to publicly raise charges against the consul Cicero, and thereby give the signal for the revolution (loc. cit. 43, 1, with fewer details in Appian. b. c. II 3). <20> Because it was quickly nipped in the bud, Calpurnius - who escaped punishment, and who did enter office - was only able to direct his heavy attacks against Cicero who was stepping down from office (Cic. Sest. and Schol. Bob. ad loc. St. p. 294. Sull. 31 and Schol. Bob. ad loc. p. 366. Plut. Cic. 23, 1). The Calpurnius Bestia whom M. Caecilius charged with poisoning multiple women (Plin. n. h. XXVII 4) may have been this Calpurnius, or may have been the following.

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