Cato the Elder
234–149 BCE · Roman · Roman Republic, Middle Period
Known for: Conservative Roman senator who ended every speech with 'Carthage must be destroyed'—champion of Roman traditional values
Cato was the most stubborn man in Roman politics. He served as consul, censor, and senator, fighting against Greek cultural influence and luxury. He ended every single speech—regardless of topic—with 'Carthago delenda est' (Carthage must be destroyed). Eventually, Rome destroyed Carthage.
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