Lepidus, Marcus Aemilius (89–13 or 12 BC)

Roman politician and soldier. A supporter of Julius Caesar, he was consul 46 BC and magister equitum (‘master of the horse’ and deputy to the dictator Caesar) 46–44 BC. Following the murder of Caesar, he formed the so-called Second Triumvirate 43 BC, with Octavian (Augustus), and Mark Antony, but Lepidus was from the start the weakest of the three triumvirs. The Roman provinces were divided up between them and they were empowered to rule together for five years.

Lepidus was praetor 49 BC on the outbreak of civil war and Caesar left him in charge in Rome before setting out for Spain. In 48 Lepidus was appointed governor of Hispania Citerior (‘nearer Spain’) where he won a triumph.

After the Second Triumvirate had been formed, Lepidus was allotted Spain and Gaul to rule. Following the defeat of Brutus and Cassius by Mark Antony and Octavian at Philippi 42 BC, the provinces were divided up once more and Lepidus was given Africa. Summoned by Octavian 36 to help in the war against Sextus Pompeius, Lepidus went to Sicily and tried to secure the island for himself. Octavian quickly subdued him, stripped him of his army and province and sent him to live under close guard at Circeii, where he remained until his death. He was permitted to retain his office as pontifex maximus, to which he had succeeded on Caesar's death 44 BC. When he died, the office passed to Augustus and thereafter remained an imperial prerogative.