person
Hillus
also: Hillus, Hillo
An otherwise unknown figure who won election at Rome in 51 BC contrary to Cicero's expectations; Cicero mentions his election in Fam. 2.10 with mock-stammering surprise ('Hillo'). Identity uncertain — possibly a freedman's son or a very minor political figure.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 2.10 §1 about you, because what I had hoped for, about Hillus (for stammerer that I am), because what I had not
Hillus was an apparently minor or obscure candidate who won election unexpectedly; Cicero calls himself 'balbus' (stammerer) to signal he can scarcely get the name out, a jesting admission of surprise. Hillus's identity is uncertain — he may be a freedman's son who broke into office against all expectation.