HORTENSIUS
Form: Quintus; surnamed Hortalus.
A distinguished Roman orator, B.C. 114-50. For a considerable time he had no rival in the Forum, owing to his brilliant genius and his remarkably reteutive memory. Possessing vast means, he gave himself up to the enjoyments of life, and allowed his somewhat younger contemporary, Cicero, completely to outstrip him. [(Down to about 63 B.C. Hortensius represented the nobiles, as against Cicero; but afterwards the two orators were generally on the saine side.] He also tried his hand as a writer of history and as a poet. Of his writings we have only meagre notices.[Cic., Brutus, Section Section 301-303.]
Pictures and Media
HORTENSIUS.(Rome, Villa Albani.)