Definition: Marcus Porcius Cato (234-149 B.C.) was an austere leader of the Roman Republic known for coming into conflict with his contemporary, the more flamboyant Scipio Africanus, winner of the Second Punic War.
Cato (the Younger) is the name of one of Julius Caesar's staunchest opponents. Cato the Elder is his ancestor.
Cato the Elder served in the military, especially in Greece and Spain. He boasted that he conquered more Spanish cities than he spent days in the country. He entered the cursus honorum as a new man (novus homo) who attained the top positions of consul and censor.
Cato the Elder despised luxury, especially of the Greek variety his enemy Scipio favored. Cato also disapproved of Scipio's leniency towards the Carthaginians at the conclusion of the Second Punic War.
Cato the Elder was responsible for the saying that Carthage must be destroyed, which was made in connection with the Third Punic War.
Examples:
The Stoic politician Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis or Cato the Younger, the great-grandson of Cato the Elder was an opponent of Julius Caesar.
