A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

3. L.Hortensius, as praetor, B. C. 171, succeeded C. Lucretius in the command of the fleet in the war with Perseus, and pursued a like course of oppression with his predecessor. Of Abdera he demanded 100,000 denarii and 50,000 modii of wheat; and when the inhabitants sent to entreat the protection of the consul Mancinus and of the senate, Hortensius was so enraged that he stormed and pillaged the city, beheaded the chief men, and sold the rest into slavery. The senate contented themselves with voting this act to be unjust, and commanding that all who had been sold should be set free. Hortensius continued his robberies, and was again reprimanded by the senate for his treatment of the Chalcidians; but we do not hear that he was recalled or punished. (Liv. 43.3, 4, 7, 8.)