How Did Lucan Die Rome?

By Anna Duncan

Lucan, also known as Marcus Annaeus Lucanus, was a Roman poet and dramatist who lived during the reign of Emperor Nero. He was born in Corduba (modern-day Córdoba), Spain, in 39 AD. Lucan is best known for his epic poem “Pharsalia,” which narrates the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great.

The Life and Works of Lucan

Lucan came from a wealthy family and received an excellent education in rhetoric and philosophy. He became a close friend of Nero in his youth, which later proved to be both beneficial and detrimental to his career. His connection with the emperor allowed him to secure important positions but also made him a Target during Nero’s reign of terror.

Despite his privileged background, Lucan held strong republican beliefs and had deep admiration for Pompey. This influenced his decision to join the conspiracy led by Gaius Calpurnius Piso against Nero’s tyrannical rule. The conspiracy, known as the Pisonian Conspiracy, aimed to overthrow Nero and restore the Roman Republic.

The Pisonian Conspiracy

In 65 AD, Lucan actively participated in the Pisonian Conspiracy alongside other prominent figures such as Seneca the Younger and Gaius Petronius. The plot involved assassinating Nero during one of his theatrical performances at the Quinquennial Games in Rome.

The conspiracy ultimately failed when one of its members revealed their plans to Nero. This led to swift action by the emperor, resulting in a wave of arrests, trials, and executions. The exact details of Lucan’s involvement remain unclear, but it is believed that he played a significant role in planning the assassination.

The Last Days of Lucan

After the failed conspiracy, Lucan found himself trapped in a precarious situation. With Nero’s suspicion turned towards him, Lucan was forced to make a difficult decision. He chose to take his own life rather than face the emperor’s wrath.

On April 30, 65 AD, Lucan gathered his friends and family in his villa on the outskirts of Rome. He delivered an emotional farewell speech, expressing his love for literature and his disillusionment with the tyrannical regime. Lucan then opened a vein in his arm and bled to death.

The Legacy of Lucan

Lucan’s death marked the end of a promising literary career cut short by political turmoil. Despite his untimely demise, he left behind an enduring work of poetic genius with “Pharsalia.” This epic poem, consisting of ten books, showcases Lucan’s mastery of language and vivid descriptions of war and political intrigue.

While Lucan’s fate was tragic, he remains an influential figure in Roman literature. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their historical and literary significance. The story of Lucan serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art and power in ancient Rome.

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