The importance of Lanuvium in Roman times is widely recognized by scholars of ancient history. Lanuvium was an important center both strategically and commercially, as well as religiously, thanks to the presence of the Temple of Juno Sospita. And it was in Lanuvium that illustrious figures who held important roles and positions in Roman public life of the time were born. One of these was Lucius Licinius Murena, born in Lanuvium in 105 BC.
His was a noble family of very ancient origins, which included prominent figures such as commanders and magistrates. In 83 BC, Licinius Murena became praetor in Asia and led the war against Mithridates, who had occupied Cappadocia and refused to return it. In 81 BC, the war ended, and Mithridates returned the occupied territories. After various military assignments, Licinius Murena was finally elected consul in 62 BC, thanks to the support of his friend Cicero. For this appointment, he was accused of electoral fraud and stood trial, in which he was defended by Cicero himself, who wrote the oration "Pro Murena" for him. He was acquitted, although he was likely found guilty. Licinius Murena died in 22 BC.
