A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

was appointed by Metellus in B. C. 108 commander of the town of Vaga or Vacca, in Numidia; but the inhabitants, urged on by Jugurtha, treacherously massacred all the Roman garrison, with the exception of Turpilius Silanus, who escaped to the main body of the Roman army. The conduct and escape of Turpilius were suspicious; he was brought to trial before Metellus, and condemned; and, as he was a Latin and not a Roman citizen, was scourged and put to death. Plutarch relates that the innocence of Turpilius was afterwards established; and that Marius, who was present at the trial as an assessor, had strongly urged Metellus to put him to death, in order thus to bring upon his commander the odium of having condemned an innocent man (Sall. Jug. 66-69 ; Plut. Mar. 8).