>Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 00:13:57 -0400
>
>Justin wrote:
>
>> The Caesar ref that Shane invokes I don't get. Pompey, Caesar's
>>rival, cleared the Mediterranean of pirates.
>
>The story, found in both Plutarch and Suetonius, is that the young Caesar,
>while on service in the Eastern Mediterranean, was captured by Cilician
>pirates and held for ransom. When they asked for a ransom of 20
>talents Caesar was outraged and told them that this was a paltry
>sum to ask for a Caesar and insisted that the sum be 50. While awaiting
>the arrival of the ransom Caesar maintained a congenial relationship
>with his hosts even though he constantly reminded them that, once
>freed, he would return and hang them all. This he did, even though,
>once captured, they became subject to Roman judicial process and
>therefore escaped hanging--all were crucified.
Thanks, I'd forgotten that story. --jks
>
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