Diverging Traditions on Marcellus’ Sicilian Campaign (214–211 BC): Livy, Cicero, Plutarch, and Appian on Marcellus’ Fides and Humanity

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse the discussions of and controversies about Marcellus’ campaign in Sicily in the ancient authors, with particular attention to four sources: Livy, Cicero’s Verrines, Plutarch’s Life of Marcellus, and Appian’s Sicilian book. These texts provide very different judgements about the morality of Marcellus’ deeds and reveal the presence of diverging traditions; they also show the malleability of Marcellus’ character. The debated issues appear to be centred around three main points: Marcellus’ honesty in respecting pacts and treaties; his humanity towards his enemies; and the ethical value of his pillage of Syracuse. In this paper, the malleability of Marcellus’ character is highlighted in the analysis of these representations, which seeks to connect them to the aims and approaches of the authors.