Chelidon (fl. 74 BC) was a Roman courtesan, famed for her influence during the praetorship of

Gaius Verres Gaius Verres (c. 120–43 BC) was a Roman magistrate, notorious for his misgovernment of Sicily. His extortion of local farmers and plundering of temples led to his prosecution by Cicero, whose accusations were so devastating that his defence adv ...

. She was a freedwoman and a successful professional high class courtesan. She was introduced to

by the courtesan Pippa and

Tertia (actress) {{short description, Ancient Roman actress and dancer Tertia (died ''after'' 74 BC) was an ancient Roman actress and dancer. Tertia was born on Sicily as the daughter of the dancer-actor Isidorus. She is famous in history as the mistress of Verr ...

, and became his mistress. She became known for the influence she wielded over public affairs in 74 BC, when her lover Gaius Verres served as urban

praetor Praetor ( , ), also pretor, was the title granted by the government of Ancient Rome to a man acting in one of two official capacities: (i) the commander of an army, and (ii) as an elected '' magistratus'' (magistrate), assigned to discharge vario ...

of Rome. Her influence was used against Gaius Verres by his enemies, who accused him of allowing her an excessive influence over state affairs. Allegedly, she acted as the political advisor of Gaius Verres, who allowed her to make decisions within civil cases and prepare laws and political reforms. Aware of her de facto position, she was courted by supplicants and political officials. She died between 73 and 71 BC, when Verres apparently received an inheritance from her. She is one of few free influential Roman courtesans mentioned by her contemporaries, others being

Volumnia Cytheris Volumnia Cytheris (fl. 1st-century BC) was an ancient Roman actress and mimae dancer. She is foremost known as the mistress of several famous Romans. She was originally a slave and later freedwoman. On stage, she was normally referred to only a ...

and

Praecia Praecia (fl. 73 BC) was a Roman courtesan, famed for her influence within Roman politics. She was active as a professional high class courtesan in Rome. She was known for her wide net of high-profile clients among the political elite, and for ...

. Anise K. Strong:
Prostitutes and Matrons in the Roman World
'

References

{{DEFAULTSORT: 1st-century BC Roman women 1st-century BC Romans Ancient Roman courtesans Republican era slaves and freedmen