A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

4. SEX.CLODIUS, probably a descendant of a freedman of the Claudian house, was a man of low condition, whom P. Clodius took under his patronage. (Cic. pro Cael. 32, pro Dom. 10.) In B. C. 58 we find him superintending the celebration of the Compitalian festival. (Cic. in Pison. 4 ; Ascon. p. 7, Orell.) He was the leader of the armed bands which P. Clodius employed. (Ascon. l.c.) The latter entrusted to him the task of drawing up the laws which he brought forward in his tribuneship, and commissioned him to carry into effect his lex frumentaria. (Cic. pro Dom. 10, 18, 31, 50, de Har. Resp. 6, pro Sext. 64.) We find Sextus the accomplice of Publius in all his acts of violence. (pro Cael. 32.) In 56 he was impeached by Milo, but was acquitted. (Cic. ad Q. Fr. 2.6, pro Cael. 32.) For his proceedings on the death of P. Clodius Pulcher see No 40 ; Cic. pro Mil. 13, 33; Ascon. pp. 34, 36, 48.

He was impeached by C. Caesennius Philo and M. Aufidius, and condemned. (Ascon. in Milon. p. 55.) He remained in exile for eight years, but was restored in 44 by M. Antonius. (Cic. Att. 14.13, A. and B.) Cicero (pro Dom. 10, 31, pro Cael. 32) charges him with having carried on a criminal correspondence with Clodia (Quadrantaria).