16. Q.CaeciliusMetellusNepos, Q. F. Q. N., son of Balearicus [No. 7], and grandson of the celebrated Macedonicus [No. 5], appears to have received the surname of Nepos, because he was the eldest grandson of the latter; for the Metelli were so numerous that it became necessary, for the sake of distinction, that each member of the family should have some personal designation. This surname of Nepos was also borne by one of his children [No. 21]. Metellus Nepos exerted himself in obtaining the recall of his kinsman Metellus Numidicus from banishment in B. C. 99, and was consul the following year, B. C. 98, with T. Didius. In this year the two consuls carried the lex Caecilia Didia. (Cic. post Red. in Sen. 15, pro Dom. 20, ad Att. 2.9; Schol. Bob. pro Sext. p. 310, ed. Orelli; Obsequ. 107.)