# Lepidus > member of the Second Triumvirate of Rome **Wikidata**: [Q105452](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105452) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidus) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lepidus ## Summary Lepidus, also known as Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, was a Roman statesman and general who served as a member of the Second Triumvirate of Rome. He played a key role in the political and military restructuring of the Roman Republic during the 1st century BC. His most notable contribution was his leadership in the triumviral alliance that governed Rome after Julius Caesar's assassination. ## Biography - Born: 90 BC - Nationality: Ancient Rome - Education: No specific educational background provided. - Known for: Being a member of the Second Triumvirate of Rome - Employer(s): Roman state, triumviral administration - Field(s): Politics, military ## Contributions - Co-founded and participated in the Second Triumvirate, a political alliance that included Octavian and Mark Antony, formed in 43 BC to avenge Caesar’s death and govern the Roman Republic. - Oversaw military and administrative actions during the triumviral period, including campaigns in Sicily and North Africa. - Participated in the proscriptions that eliminated political enemies and redistributed land to veterans. - Served as Pontifex Maximus (chief priest) from 43 BC until his death, a position of significant religious and political influence in Rome. ## FAQs ### What is Lepidus known for? Lepidus is best known for his role as a member of the Second Triumvirate of Rome, a political alliance formed in 43 BC to govern the state after Julius Caesar's assassination. He was instrumental in the proscriptions and land redistribution that followed. ### What position did Lepidus hold in Roman politics? He held the title of **Pontifex Maximus**, the chief high priest of the Roman state religion, and was one of the triumvirs who effectively controlled the Roman state during a period of civil war and political upheaval. ### When and where was Lepidus born? Lep) idus was born in 90 BC. The exact location of his birth is not specified in the source material. ### What was Lepidus's role in the Second Triumvirate? Lepidus was one of the three rulers of Rome in the Second Triumvirate, along with Octavian and Mark Antony. He contributed to the military and political restructuring of the Roman state during this period. ### When did Lepidus die? Lepidus died in 13 BC. ### What happened to Lepidus after being sidelined by Octavian and Antony? After being marginalized in 36 BC, Lepidus was stripped of his political power but retained his religious title of Pontifex Maximus until his death. ## Why They Matter Lepidus was a pivotal figure in the transitional period of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. As a triumvir, he was part of the power-sharing agreement that sought to stabilize Rome after Caesar's assassination. Though eventually sidelined, his role in the triumvirate was essential in shaping the political landscape of the time. His influence extended into religious and military domains, and his actions helped set the stage for the rise of Augustus. Without Lepidus, the triumvirate would have lacked one of its key stabilizing forces, and the balance of power that led to Octavian's eventual dominance might not have been so effectively challenged or negotiated. ## Notable For - Member of the Second Triumvirate of Rome - Held the title of Pontifex Maximus - Oversaw military operations in Sicily and North Africa - Participated in proscriptions and land redistribution - Briefly ruled Rome jointly with Octavian and Mark Antony ## Body ### Early Life and Background Lepidus was born into the Roman elite, though specific details about his early life and education are not provided in the source material. He belonged to the Aemilius family, a prominent Roman gens, and rose to prominence during the turbulent era following Julius Caesar's assassination. ### Political Career Lepidus joined forces with Octavian and Mark Antony to form the **Second Triumvirate** in 43 BC, a political alliance aimed at consolidating power and avenging Caesar’s death. As part of this triumvirate: - He was granted the title of **Pontifex Maximus**, the highest religious office in Rome. - Participated in the **proscriptions** that removed political enemies and funded the triumviral agenda through confiscated properties. - Oversaw the **redistribution of land** to veterans, a key policy of the triumviral regime. ### Military Involvement Lepidus was involved in military campaigns, particularly in **Sicily** and **North Africa**, where he led forces in support of the triumvirate's objectives. However, his military role was gradually diminished by Octavian and Mark Antony, who sidelined him in 36 BC. After this, he was forced to retire from active political and military leadership but retained his religious title until his death. ### Religious Role As **Pontifex Maximus**, Lepidus held one of the most important religious positions in Rome. This role gave him significant influence in state religious practices and ceremonies, even after his political marginalization. ### Downfall and Later Life In 36 BC, Lepidus was removed from the triumvirate after a failed attempt to seize control in Sicily. He was stripped of his political power but allowed to remain as **Pontifex Maximus**, a title he held until his death in 13 BC. This demotion marked the end of his active political career, though he remained a symbolic figure in Roman religion. ### Legacy Lepidus's legacy lies in his role as a stabilizing force during a period of civil conflict. Though less prominent than Octavian or Mark Antony, his participation in the triumvirate was crucial in the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. His contributions helped shape the triumviral regime's policies, particularly in land reform and veteran settlement. After his political sidelining, he retained the title of Pontifex Maximus, which he held until his death, symbolizing his continued relevance in Roman religious life. ### Death and Final Years Lepidus died in 13 BC, having lived long enough to see the early shaping of the Roman Empire under Augustus. His death marked the end of an era in which he played a key role, though he was no longer politically active. His influence, however, remained embedded in the institutions he had helped shape, particularly the religious framework of Rome. ### Historical Significance Lepidus is remembered as one of the three architects of the Second Triumvirate, a pivotal alliance that sought to govern Rome during its transition from republic to empire. His role, while often overshadowed by Octavian and Antony, was foundational in the political and military realignments that followed Caesar’s death. His legacy is that of a key, if underrepresented, figure in one of Rome’s most transformative periods. ## References 1. Aemilii 2. Digital Prosopography of the Roman Republic 3. The Magistrates of the Roman Republic 4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. Lepidus, Mark Aemilius 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013