Background
Neither the birth date nor the place of birth of Gaius Memmius are unknown.
Neither the birth date nor the place of birth of Gaius Memmius are unknown.
Memmius was Tribune of the Plebs (66 B. C. ), patron of Lucretius and an acquaintance of Catullus and Helvius Cinna.
At first a strong supporter of Pompey, he quarrelled with him, and went over to Caesar, whom he had previously attacked. In 54, as candidate for the consulship, he lost Caesar's support by revealing a scandalous transaction in which he and his fellow candidate had been implicated.
Memmius was also the author of erotic poems. He possessed considerable oratorical abilities, but his contempt for Latin letters and preference for Greek models impaired his efficiency as an advocate.
Being subsequently condemned for illegal practices at the election, he withdrew to Athens, and afterwards, to Mytilene. Memmius died about the year 49 B. C.
Gaius Memmius was married to Fausta Cornelia, the daughter of Lucius Cornelius Sulla. They had at least one son, Gaius Memmius.