Lentulus Batiatus ((top)) -

We hate Batiatus because we see ourselves in him. That tiny, screaming voice that says, "I deserve more. I am better than they say. I will prove them all wrong." The difference is, most of us do not commit murder to get a better seat at the banquet.

Lentulus Batiatus, though not as widely recognized today as some of his contemporaries, played a crucial role in one of the most intriguing episodes of ancient Roman history. His involvement in the Catiline conspiracy reflects the tumultuous nature of the late Roman Republic and the desperate measures some were willing to take to effect change. Through the lens of his actions and the ultimate failure of the conspiracy, historians gain valuable insights into the dynamics of power, rebellion, and governance in ancient Rome. lentulus batiatus

In historical records, primarily those of Plutarch and Appian, Batiatus is described as the owner of a ludus in Capua. Unlike the high-born senators of Rome, a lanista occupied a strange social position: they were wealthy and influential but socially "infamous" ( infamia ) because they profited from the blood of others. We hate Batiatus because we see ourselves in him