Lucius Caecilius Metellus Delmaticus (bornc. 160 BC) was a Roman politician and general. He was a son ofLucius Caecilius Metellus Calvus and brother ofQuintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus. He wasconsul in 119 BC; during his year, he opposedGaius Marius' election procedures law. As consul and proconsul from 119–117 BC, he campaigned against theDalmatians. For his victories, hetriumphed in 117 BC, earning hiscognomen and dedicating two temples – also contributing to repairs for theTemple of Castor and Pollux[1] – from the spoils of war.[2]
He was probably electedcensor in 115 BC;[2] attribution of which Caecilius Metellus was elected censor in that year is disputed: Broughton'sMagistrates of the Roman Republic (1951) believes it wasLucius Caecilius Metellus Diadematus;[3] Ernst Badian, however, believes that the engraver made a mistake and that it is more likely that Delmaticus served as censor in that year.[4]
He was later electedpontifex maximus, in place ofPublius Mucius Scaevola,[5] some time before December 114 BC.[6][7] During his pontifical tenure, he was judge in a trial of threeVestal Virgins for unchastity, of which one was convicted.[2] The acquittal by the pontiffs of two of the vestals was overturned the next year when they were convicted and put to death by a special tribunal convened underLucius Cassius Longinus Ravilla.[8]
His replacement as pontifex maximus was elected in 103 BC,[9] indicating that Delmaticus likely had died by that time.[citation needed]
He was the father of:
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| Preceded by | Roman consul 119 BC With:Lucius Aurelius Cotta | Succeeded by |
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