Cornelia Metella

Cornelia Metella lived a long time ago, around 73 BC. She was the daughter of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio Nasica, an important leader, and his wife Aemilia. Cornelia belonged to the gens Cornelia, a well-known family in ancient times.

People have found information about Cornelia in old writings. One important piece of evidence is an official dedicatory inscription at Pergamon, an ancient city. This shows that Cornelia was remembered and honored by others. Her story helps us learn about life in ancient Rome.

Biography

Cornelia first married Publius Licinius Crassus in 55 BC. After he died, she married Pompey in 52 BC.

When there was a big fight between Pompey and Caesar, Cornelia and Pompey's son, Sextus Pompey, went to the island of Lesbos. A statue was made for her in Pergamum. After Pompey lost a battle, she went with him to Mytilene and then to Ptolemaic Egypt. Sadly, Pompey was killed there while Cornelia watched from their ship. She later went to Cyprus and then back to Italy to lay Pompey's ashes to rest.

Plutarch wrote that Cornelia was known for her beauty, good character, and love for learning. She played the lyre and studied geometry and philosophy.

Cultural references

Cornelia Metella is an important character in Lucan's Civil War. She is shown as a partner to Pompey during war and travel.

She also appears in George Frideric Handel's 1724 opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto. In this story, she asks Caesar to save her husband. Cornelia is the main character in Robert Garnier's play Cornélie, and in its English version Cornelia by Thomas Kyd.

In the TV series Rome from 2005, Cornelia is played by actress Anna Patrick. In this version, she is shown as an older woman with children, which is different from the real story.