person
Gaius Toranius
Toranius
also: Toranius, C. Toranius
A Pompeian who had served with Cicero as colleague in the aedileship; consoled by Cicero in exile after the civil war (Fam. 6.20-21, 45 BC). Later proscribed by the triumvirs in 43 BC, reportedly betrayed by his own son to Octavian.
Reading notes
- Ad Familiares 6.21 §1 you alone in that whole army agreed with me
Cicero credits Toranius as the one man in the Pompeian camp who shared his own assessment that civil war could lead only to destruction or enslavement regardless of outcome. This solidarity is the emotional core of Cicero's consolatory relationship with Toranius across Fam. 6.20-21.
- Ad Familiares 6.21 §3 for your safety, and for your children
Toranius was later proscribed in 43 BC by the triumvirs, his son reportedly betraying him to Octavian; the assurance here that his children are safe and devoted sits in tragic retrospect against that outcome.