Aulus Hirtius

Who was Aulus Hirtius?

Aulus Hirtius was one of the consuls of the Roman Republic and a writer on military subjects.

He was a legate of Julius Caesar's starting around 54 BC and served as an envoy to Pompey in 50. It was reported that Hirtius dined with Caesar, Sallust, Oppius, Balbus and Sulpicus Rufus on the night after Caesar's famous crossing over the Rubicon river into Italy January 10.

During the Roman Civil Wars he served in Spain, he might have been a tribune in 48, and in 47 was at Antioch. He was a praetor in 46 and governor of Transalpine Gaul in 45.

After Caesar's assassination in March 44, Hirtius was deeply involved in the maneuvering between parties. Having been nominated for that post by Caesar, Hirtius and Pansa became consuls in 43.

Initially a supporter of Mark Antony, Hirtius was successfully lobbied by Cicero and switched his allegiance to the senatorial party. He then set out with an army to attack Antony who was besieging Mutina. In concert with Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus and Octavian, Hirtius compelled Antony to retire but in the fighting was slain. He was honored with a public funeral, along with Pansa who died a few days later.