Lucius Sestius Albanianus Quirinalis[1] (fl. 43–23 BC) was an aristocrat of the lateRoman Republic. Although having Republican tendencies,Augustus appointed himsuffect consul in 23 BC to fill his role.[2]
Sestius was a son ofPublius Sestius and the daughter of one Gaius Albanius.[3] AlthoughHorace made him the subject of one of his odes (I.4),Ronald Syme explains it was simply to "indicate the publication year of the first three books" of hisodes.[4] Syme notes although Sestius served as aproquaestor ofMarcus Junius Brutus, "he leaves no trace of either proper rank or capacity for the supreme magistracy"[4] and opines that "Sestius may have been leading a life of tranquil leisure."[5] If so, then this may indicate that Sestius had an aversion to public life, one of the characteristics of anEpicurean.[6] This aversion to public life would make him a safe choice to serve as a consul; the following yearLucius Licinius Varro Murena, brother ofAulus Terentius Varro Murena, who was selected to be consul in 23 BC, but at the last moment replaced byCalpurnius Piso, was accused of conspiring against Augustus and murdered during his arrest.[7]
During the excavations of the villa inSettefinestre, which belonged to Sestius Quirinalis' parents, potteries stamped with the letters LS ("Lucius Sestius") were found.[8]
Literary sources credit him with the dedication of threearae (altars) of theImperial cult in north-west Hispania, at some time around 19 BC.[9]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Augustus XI as ordinarius | Roman consul (suffect) 23 BC With:Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso | Succeeded byas ordinarii |