person
Theophilus (freedman of M. Marcellus)
Theophilus
also: Theophilus
A freedman (libertus) of M. Claudius Marcellus (cos. 51) who served as a courier between his patron in exile at Mytilene and Cicero at Rome in 46 BC; he carries Cicero's letters Fam. 4.9 and 4.10, and Cicero vouches for his loyalty and goodwill toward Marcellus.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 4.9 §1 your freedman Theophilus is setting out
Theophilus, a freedman (libertus) of M. Marcellus, was acting as a messenger between his patron at Mytilene and Cicero at Rome; he carries both this letter and Fam. 4.10. Cicero vouches for his loyalty and goodwill toward Marcellus.
- Ad Familiares 4.10 §1 with Theophilus setting out
Theophilus, Marcellus's freedman and courier, carries this short covering note (the same bearer as Fam. 4.9). Cicero writes only because he cannot let the messenger leave for Mytilene empty-handed.