Vedius Pollio: A Roman Symbol of Cruelty and Excess
In the 1st century BCE, Vedius Pollio, a wealthy Roman equestrian and confidant of Emperor Augustus, became infamous for embodying the excesses and brutality of the Roman elite. While many Romans of his time indulged in luxury and opulence, Pollio's reputation was marked by a cruelty that shocked even his contemporaries. Known for his vast estates and luxurious lifestyle, Pollio is perhaps most remembered for his horrific treatment of enslaved people, particularly his practice of feeding them to lamprey eels as punishment.
A Life of Wealth and Excess
Pollio's immense wealth came from his sprawling estates and his close ties to Augustus. Like many wealthy Romans, he built a grand villa equipped with elaborate features, including an ornamental pond filled with lamprey eels. These eel...




















