Clutorius Priscus

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Clutorius Priscus (c. 20 BC – AD 21) was a Roman poet.

Priscus was paid an honorarium by the

Roman Emperor Tiberius to produce a panegyric for his nephew and adopted son Germanicus
upon his death in AD 19.

Two years later, Tiberius' son

Capreae. Manius Aemilius Lepidus argued without success that the proposed death sentence was excessively harsh, given that the poem was not dangerous, merely tasteless and degrading. He also contended that a death sentence might lead Priscus to commit suicide, depriving the emperor of the ability to exercise clemency, as he often did. He suggested that Priscus be banished from Rome and have his property confiscated. The Senate supported Agrippa's position. Priscus was sentenced to death and immediately executed. Tiberius wrote a letter to the Senate following the execution of Priscus thanking them for their loyalty but expressing disapproval of their haste. This led to a revision of the law to require an interval of ten days between sentencing and execution.[1][2]

References

Primary sources
Secondary sources
  • Francesco M. Petrini, "Considerazioni su Clutorio Prisco e il suo processo (Tac. ann. III 49-51, Cass. Dio LVII 20,3-4)", Klio 90 (2008).