person
Publius Magius Cilo
P. Magius Cilo
also: P. Magio Cilone, Magius, Magium
A companion (familiaris) of M. Claudius Marcellus (cos. 51) who stabbed him to death with a dagger after dinner near the Piraeus in May 45 BC, then killed himself. The motive (variously reported as a money quarrel or madness) was debated in antiquity. Reported in Servius Sulpicius Rufus's account, Ad Fam. 4.12.
Reading notes
- Ad Atticum 13.10 §3 with the case against Magius established
Publius Magius Cilo, the companion of Marcellus who stabbed him to death after dinner near the Piraeus and then killed himself. Cicero, who had stood surety for him, traces the deed to his madness and insolvency.
- Ad Familiares 4.12 §2 struck after dinner by P. Magius Cilo, his own intimate, with a dagger
The killer was not a political enemy but one of Marcellus's own companions. Ancient sources disagree on the motive --- a refused loan or financial grievance, or simple madness --- and some even suspected Caesar's hand, though Cicero and Servius treat it as a private crime. Magius killed himself immediately after.