Marcus Aemilius Scaurus (praetor 56 BC)

[5] This preceded direct intervention by Pompey, who marched south in the autumn of 64 BC when Aristobulus had started to win the conflict.

[5] When Pompey returned north to settle treat with Pharnaces in 63 BC, he left Syria organised as a province from lands carved out of the Seleucid Empire, under Scaurus as governor pro praetore with two legions.

[8] Scarus' engagements in Syria and Judaea may be mentioned in Dead Sea Scroll 4Q333 (fragmentary) which states: [in (the week of) Je]hezekel which is ... Aemilius killed ... [in] the seventh [mon]th ... (the week of) Gamul ... Aemilius killed ...[9] He was said by Pliny the Elder to have been the first Roman collector, or major collector, of engraved gems.

[10] Scaurus returned to Rome and – eligible due to his patrician status – was elected curule aedile a few years later, in 58 BC, with Publius Plautius Hypsaeus as his colleague.

[12] The massive production of these coins was nevertheless not linked to the extravagant games – funded by his wealth acquired in Syria[13] – he gave that year as aedile.

[14] During the year, he restored an ornament placed by his father on the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus that had been damaged by fire in 83 BC; he also erected the theatrum Scauri,[15] a magnificent wooden theatre with three levels and seats for eighty thousand spectators.

[24] The candidates supported by the Triumvirs (Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus), Scaurus included, were defeated in the canvass for the consulship of 53 BC.

[25][26] After the elections, he – severally with the other candidates – was hauled before the courts for ambitus (electoral bribery) some time before 11 October 54 BC, but proceedings were incomplete.