A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

5. L. LICINIUS LUCULLUS, L. F. L. N., son of the preceding. His praenomen, according to Valerius Maximus, was Marcus; but this is considered by Drumann (Gesch. Roms. vol. iv. p. 175) as so contrary to analogy, that he does not hesitate to regard it as a mistake. (See also Orelli, Onom. Tull. vol. ii. p. 352.) As he was the son of Servilia, he could not have been born before B. C. 65; and was a mere child at the time of his father's death. Lucullus had entrusted him to the guardianship of his maternal uncle, Cato; but at the same time recommended him, by his testament, to the friendly care of Cicero, who appears to have joined with Cato in superintending the education of the boy. (Cic. de Fin. 3.2, ad Att. 13.6.) His relationship with Cato and Brutus naturally threw the young Lucullus into the republican party, whom he zealously joined after the death of Caesar: so that he accompanied Brutus to Greece, was present at the battle of Philippi, and was killed in the pursuit after that action, B. C. 42. (Cic. Phil. 10.4; Vell. 2.71; V. Max. 4.7.4.) Cicero tells us that he was a youth of rising talents, and of much promise. (De fin. 3.2, Phil. 10.4.) While yet under age he had dedicated, by command of the senate, a statue of Hercules near the Rostra, in pursuance of a vow of his father. (Plin. Nat. 34.8. (19), ad fin.)