Catiline (c. 108–62 BC)

Roman politician and conspirator. Catiline was a member of an impoverished patrician family and a former partisan of Sulla. Twice failing to be elected to the consulship in 64 BC and 63 BC, he planned a military coup, but Cicero exposed his conspiracy. He died at the head of the insurgents.

Catiline was praetor 68 BC and governor of Africa 67–66 BC. On his return 65, he was disqualified from standing for the consulship of 64 BC because of an impending prosecution for extortion in his province, or (more probably) because he was too late in registering as a candidate. Although he was later acquitted of the charge, he failed to win the consulship 63 BC. Cicero was elected and Catiline organized a conspiracy, taking advantage of the prevailing unrest to gain support. The conspiracy was defeated through Cicero's energy and vigilance and Catiline left Rome. He was killed in action when his forces were cornered by those of the government 62 BC near Pistoia.