Gaius Porcius Cato

Gaius Porcius Cato (before 157 BC – after 109 BC in Tarraco) was a Roman politician and general, notably consul in 114 BC. He was the son of Marcus Porcius Cato Licinianus and grandson of Cato the Censor. Initially a friend of the Gracchi brothers, Gaius betrayed Gaius Gracchus in the late 120s BC. He became consul in 114, but was crushed by the Scordisci in Thrace. His defeat led to a religious hysteria at Rome, and he was sentenced to pay a fine at his return. He was sued again in 109 before the Mamilian commission, which investigated possible bribes received by Roman politicians from the Numidian King Jugurtha. In fact the commission's members were former supporters of the Gracchi and made Gaius pay for his betrayal by forcing him into exile. Gaius left for Tarraco (modern Tarragona) in Spain, and became a citizen of that town. Family background Gaius Cato belonged to the plebeian gens Porcia, which became prominent at the beginning of the second century thanks to Cato the Censor, the grandfather of Gaius. Born before 157, his parents were Marcus Porcius Cato Licinianus and Aemilia Tertia, the youngest daughter of Aemilius Paullus. As a result, Gaius was the nephew of Scipio Aemilianus, the eldest son of Aemilius Paullus and natural brother of his mother. In addition, Gaius was the younger brother of Marcus Porcius Cato, consul in 118, who died during his office. Career