Proscriptions of the Second Triumvirate

The Proscriptions of the Second Triumvirate were a series of state-sanctioned political purges launched in 43 BC by Octavian, Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus. They were intended to avenge the assassination of Julius Caesar, eliminate political rivals, and raise funds through confiscations during the Roman civil wars.

The proscriptions shortly after the legal formation of the triumvirate. Lists were published naming enemies of the state, including Caesar’s assassins such as Marcus Junius Brutus and Cassius, as well as senators, equestrians, wealthy citizens and prominent republicans including Sextus Pompey and Cicero. Rewards of 2,500 drachmae were offered for the heads of free proscribed men and 1,000 drachmae for slaves, while informers received similar payments. Anyone who sheltered a proscribed individual risked being added to the lists. Property belonging to victims was confiscated, although a few individuals were spared execution through the intervention of relatives among the triumvirs, such as Lucius Julius Caesar and Paullus. Many victims were killed, sometimes brutally; among the most famous were Cicero, his brother Quintus Tullius Cicero and Marcus Favonius. Cicero’s severed head and hands were displayed on the rostra.