He had been accused of treason for having opposed Caesar in the civil war in Africa, but was defended so eloquently by Cicero that he was pardoned and allowed to return to Rome.
He had gone to Africa as legate to the provincial governor Gaius Considius Longus, who when returning to Rome left him in command.
Cicero secured a meeting with Caesar, who seemed receptive, but then an order was made to arrest Ligarius on charges that are no longer clear, but appear to have involved the claim that he conspired with King Juba I.
[2] At the trial, Cicero gave an impassioned speech in Ligarius' defence, known as the Pro Ligario.
He ignored the actual charges, but instead made an emotional appeal for reconciliation and clemency, warning of the dangers of vendettas.
He is depicted, following Plutarch, as a sickly man, though strong in mind, with a grudge against Caesar for reprimanding him for admiring Pompey.