Trial of Trebonius The Trial of Trebonius refers to the military trial of the Roman soldier Trebonius for the killing of Gaius Lusius , his superior officer and nephew of the Roman General and Consul Gaius Marius . The trial serves to show Marius ’ impartiality when dealing out justice that made him popular among his soldiers as well as the common Roman citizen . Valerius Maximus calls Trebonius Gaius Plotius . Because Plutarch says that this even contributed to Marius ' third election as consul , this most likely takes place in 104 BC . This event does not refer to Gaius Trebonius , one of the allies and later assassins of Julius Caesar . Setting . Gaius Lusius was the son of the sister of Gaius Marius , and had been given the position of a commissioned officer during the Cimbrian War between Rome and the Proto - Germanic tribe of the Cimbri . Plutarch describes Lusius as a man who had homosexual feelings for a young soldier under his command , but was not generally a bad man . Cicero describes the Trial of Trebonius ( although not by name ) and describes Trebonius as “ the virtuous youth . ” Valerius Maximus and Cicero both say that Lusius was a military tribune . Marian reforms to the military had lessened the power and number of military tribune s . Despite this , he attempted to use his position to seduce Trebonius , who had so far not cooperated with his advances . Lusius summoned Trebonius to his tent and attempted to rape the young soldier . Trebonius had no choice but to go to the tent , because he could not disobey the summons of his commander . Inside the tent , Trebonius killed Lusius with his sword . Trial . Gaius Lusius ’ uncle , Gaius Marius , returned and had Trebonius brought to trial . Plutarch describes there being many accusers against Trebonius , but no one to defend him . Cicero and Maximus both claim that Lusius ' position as a tribune could account for this , in that he would have probably held political power during life , and others may have been afraid of a similar fate if Trebonius was not suitably punished . Trebonius took up his own cause and defended himself before the trial . He provided examples of Lusius ’ unceremonious behavior , and offered up witnesses to testify about Lusius ’ acts . Lusius had often made generous offers towards Trebonius and had often made advances on him , but Trebonius had never given into his seduction s . Marius was impressed with both the courage of Trebonius ’ defense of himself at trial , as well as his unwavering affirmation of Lusius ’ attempts to seduce and bribe him . He ordered the laurel which symbolized the prize for valor to be placed on the head of Trebonius . Marius declared Trebonius ’ deeds as noble and that he was an example to show other Romans how to behave . Both Cicero and Valerius Maximus agree that it was Gaius Lusius ’ advances towards Trebonius / Plotius that had earned him his death . The prize for valor was a physical symbol showing that Trebonius should be respected and heralded for his incorruptibility and his determination . That Marius " took it and with his own hands placed it on Trebonius ' head " shows his desire to be associated with such qualities . Implications . The results of the trial spread quickly , and helped Marius gain popularity and helped him achieve his third consulship of Rome . For some , the results of the trial showed that Marius was a man who would reward noble deeds and was against immorality . The trial showed that Marius would not show favoritism towards even members of his own family if he believed them to be in the wrong . The trial is shown by several Roman authors to be an example of justice and that Trebonius should be held up as a moral example , influencing other Romans to take up his example and perform noble deeds . Although Trebonius was not of nobility , as he was just a common soldier in an uncommon situation , it illuminates the idea that all Roman citizens were expected to handle themselves in a manner of nobleness . The trial is cited by Cicero in his defense of Milo for the killing of Clodius . Cicero uses it as an example in Roman history of a situation when it is acceptable to use violence , arguing that it is a time “ when violence is offered , and can only be repelled by violence ” . The decision also says something about the thoughts on men soliciting others for sexual favors . Valerius Maximus gives the main cause of Gaius Lusius ’ death not because he attempted to use his power over the common soldier for his own personal gain , but because “ the reason was that Lusius had dared to approach Plotius ( Trebonius ) for sexual favors . ”