Marcus Claudius Marcellus image - Wildfire Games

Marcus Claudius Marcellus, 268 - 208 BC, a soldier of the first war with Carthage, a hero of the Second Punic War, and victor over the Gauls at Clastidium. Plutarch describes him as a man of war, strong in body and constitution, with an iron will to fight on. As a general he was immensely capable, standing alongside Scipio Africanus and Claudius Nero as the most effective Roman generals of the entire Second Punic War. In addition to his military achievements Marcellus was a fan of Greek culture and arts, which he enthusiastically promoted in Rome. He met his demise when his men were ambushed near Venusia.

But above all Marcellus was widely known as a physical combatant, once having covered his injured brother with his own shield while killing every opponent that approached. Another significant feat of arms was performed at the Battle of Clastidium where he personally fought and defeated the Insubrian chief Viridomarus, also in 0 AD. For this act and the capture of Viridomarus' armor and weapons Marcellus was granted the prestigious award of "spoila opima". This award was given to Roman commandes who succeeded in personally killing the opposing general in hand-to-hand combat and stripping the enemy of his arms and equipment in the Homeric tradition. Marcellus was one of only three men, traditionally including Romulus himself, to have been granted this honor in the entire history of Rome, of which he was the last to be so honored.

In honor of the respect the people held for him, Marcellus was granted the title of "Sword of Rome".