Cornelius Gallus
Gaius Cornelius Gallus | |
|---|---|
Statue head possibly depicting Cornelius Gallus, in the Cleveland Museum of Art | |
| Prefect of Egypt | |
| In office 30 BC – 26 BC | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Aelius Gallus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 70 BC see § Birthplace |
| Died | 26 BC Roman Empire |
| Cause of death | Suicide (via exsanguination) |
| Occupation | Ancient Roman Orator, poet, politician, and general |
| Known for | Battle of Philippi |
Gaius Cornelius Gallus (c. 70 – 26 BC) was a Roman poet, orator, politician and military commander, at one time appointed by the Emperor Augustus as prefect of Egypt. Only nine lines of his poetry are extant today, but he was much read in antiquity; Ovid considered him one of the major Latin poets of his age.