A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

2. M'. AQUILLIUS M'. F. M'. N., probably a son of the preceding, consul in B. C. 101, conducted the war against the slaves in Sicily, who had a second time revolted under Athenion. Aquillius completely subdued the insurgents, and triumphed on his return to Rome in 100. (Florus, 3.19; Liv. Epit, 69; Diod. xxxvi. Ecl. 1; Cic. in Verr. 3.54, 5.2; Fast. Capitol.) In 98, he was accused by L. Fufius of maladministration in Sicily; he was defended by the orator M. Antonius, and, though there were strong proofs of his guilt, was acquitted on account of his bravery in the war. (Cic. Brut. 52, de Off. 2.14, pro Flacc. 39, de Orat. 2.28, 47.) In B. C. 88, he went into Asia as one of the consular legates to prosecute the war against Mithridates and his allies. He was defeated near Protostachium, and was afterwards delivered up to Mithridates by the inhabitants of Mytilene. Mithridates treated him in the most barbarous manner, and eventually put him to death by pouring molten gold down his throat. (Appian, App. Mith. 7, 19, 21; Liv. Epit. 77; Vell. 2.18; Cic. pro Leg. Man. 5; Athen. 5.213b.)