Life of Clodia Pulchra

Works Cited

Pro Caelio of Cicero

Catullus Poems

"Clodia Metelli." Clodia Metelli. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"Clodia." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 Aug. 2013. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"Clodia/Lesbia." Clodia. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"Lesbia." - Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"Lesbia Weeping over a Sparrow." - Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

One of the many scandals Clodia got herself into was with one of her lovers after her husband's death. After a short relationship, Clodia publicly accused Marcus Caelius Rufus of attempted poisoning.

Clodia's life was characterized by scandal. She was continually associated with affairs and rumors of adultery and incest with her brother.

This accusation led to a trial, with the famous orator, Marcus Tulius Cicero defending Caelius. This was especially beneficial for Cicero, because it gave him the opportunity to denounce Clodia's brother, who was his political rival. He famously did this by "confusing" the words brother and husband when speaking about the two of them, enhancing the accusations of incest.

Born c. 95 or 94 BC

Clodia Pulchra vanished sometime after the trial. Not much is known about her death.

Clodia, the wife of Quintus Caecilius Matellus Celer (her first cousin), was believed to be the Lesbia mentioned in many of the poems by the famous poet Catellus. Obviously, this marriage with Matellus was not a happy one, and when Matellus died mysteriously, many suspected that Clodia poisoned him.

The Death of Clodia Pulchra

who was Clodia Pulchra (Metelli)?

This quote by Catullus alludes to the association of Lesbia with Clodia

• My mind's sunk so low, Claudia, because of you, wrecked itself on your account so bad already, that I couldn't like you if you were the best of women, - or stop loving you, no matter what you do.

This excerpt from the Pro Caelio of Cicero demonstrates the oratory skills of Cicero, as well as his well-planned attack on Clodia.

And, indeed, I would do so still more vigorously, if I had not a quarrel with that woman's husband—brother, I meant to say; I am always making this mistake. At present I will proceed with moderation, and go no further than my own duty to my client and the nature of the cause which I am pleading compels me. For I have never thought it my duty to engage in quarrels with any woman, especially with one whom all men have always considered everybody's friend rather than any one's enemy.

Timeline of Clodia Pulchra's Life

Metellus gains consul in 60 BC

Begins affair with Caelius in 57

Brother is murdered in 52 BC

Pro Caelio of Cicero happens in 56 BC

Relationship with Caelius ends in 56 BC

Plebian status in 59 BC

Catullus dies in 54 BC

Clodia Pulchra born in 57 BC

Metellus dies in 59 BC

Married to Metellus in 79 BC

Father dies in 49 BC

Born in 94 BC

Clodia Pulchra was the daughter of Appius Claudius Pulcher and Caecilia Metella Balearica. Her brother was Publius Clodius Pulcher. She was one of three daughters and was well-educated in Greek and Philosophy.

Clodia dies in approximately 44 BC

Mother dies in 89 BC

Caelius dies in 48 BC

Pro Caelio of Cicero

Life of Clodia Pulchra (Metelli)

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