person
Demetrius Megas
also: Demetrio Mega, Demetrius Megas, P. Cornelius (Megas), Publius Cornelius, Mega
Sicilian Greek, Cicero's closest Sicilian personal friend. At Cicero's request, P. Cornelius Dolabella obtained Roman citizenship for him from Caesar; upon enfranchisement he took the name Publius Cornelius. When Caesar's citizenship tablet was revoked, Caesar personally confirmed Megas's grant in Cicero's presence (Fam. 13.36, 46 BC).
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 13.36 §1 and so he is now called Publius Cornelius
Upon receiving Roman citizenship, a new citizen adopted the praenomen and nomen of his patron; P. Cornelius Dolabella (cos. suff. 44 BC) obtained the grant for Demetrius Megas, who accordingly became "Publius Cornelius" while retaining his Greek cognomen Megas ("great") as an unofficial identifier.