Marcus Holconius Celer

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Marcus Holconius Celer was probably the son of Marcus Holconius Rufus , probably the most important dignitary of Pompeii . Sometimes it is also assumed that he was his younger brother. He lived at the turn of the ages and, like his father, had been an important dignitary of the city.

Celer certainly inherited his father's company and was therefore active in the wine industry and owned a brick factory. Both brought him great wealth, some of which he used for his political career in Pompeii.

Together with Marcus Holconius Rufus, Marcus Holconius Celer is named as a benefactor of the renovation of the Great Theater of Pompeii. It is likely that Rufus wanted to promote the future career of his son in Pompeii by accepting Celer. This succeeded and Celer became an influential man, even if he did not achieve the prominent position of his father as patronus coloniae (honorary citizen). Nevertheless, he probably reached the office of duumvir several times, for the first time in 13/14 AD. According to Cicero , it was easier to become a senator in Rome than duumvir in Pompeii. Like his father, he was also a priest of Augustus (initially Augusti sacerdos , after Augustus' death sacerdos divi Augusti ). He was also designated censor in AD 13/14 .

Like his father, Celer was honored with an honorary statue in the theater, which was probably set up there around 13/14 AD. On the inscription on his father's base, Celer was referred to as tribunus militum a populo . This honorary title, which did not include a military position, was only awarded personally by the Emperor Augustus and only within Italy.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Holconius Celer, Marcus
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Celer, Marcus Holconius
BRIEF DESCRIPTION ancient Roman entrepreneur and politician
DATE OF BIRTH 1st century BC Chr.
DATE OF DEATH 1st century