Balbus, Lucius Cornelius (lived 1st century BC)

Spanish-born Roman soldier and politician. He was quartermaster general to Julius Caesar in Gaul, looked after his affairs in Rome during the civil war, and in 40 BC became the first foreign-born consul.

Balbus was born in Gades (Cádiz), and served under Pompey the Great in Spain and in the war against Sertorius. At Pompey's instance he received Roman citizenship. He was later prosecuted for illegally assuming the citizenship, but was defended by the orator Cicero and acquitted.