Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was a significant force in Roman political, religious and military affairs during the late Republic. However, in most accounts he is dismissed quickly, made sport of, or bitterly attacked. Through a careful examination of Lepidus's career, Richard Weigel has shown why many of the sources are hostile and how these have created an inaccurate assessment of Lepidus's role in history. Weigel shows that Lepidus was a competent administrator and that he was consistent in serving the Republic's needs as he understood them.

Richard D. Weigel is Professor of Ancient Greece and Rome at Western Kentucky University.

1. Introduction to the problem 2. The Aemilii Lepidi 3. Like Father, Like Son? 4. The First Triumvirate 5 Friend of Caesar 6. Pontifex Maximus 7. One Third of the World 8. On the Outside Lookin In