Verres
CAIUS, a Roman governor, notorious for his rapacity and cruelty; born about 112 B. C. He was quæstor in 82, and city prætor at Rome in 74 B. C.
He was governor of Sicily in 73-71, and almost ruined that island by his extortions and vexatious measures, and by his plunder of property and art treasures.
He was brought to trial and defended by Hortensius, while Cicero conducted the prosecution. The trial was one of the most celebrated in the history of Rome.
Verres absconded before his trial ended and fled to Marseilles, where he remained in exile 27 years. He died about 42 B. C.