METELLUS CELER, QUINTUS CAECILIUS

died 59 BC Roman politician, a leading supporter of the Optimates (conservative senatorial aristocracy) and opponent of Pompey the Great. Metellus was legate under Pompey in Asia in 66. As praetor in 63, he was sent to northern Italy to cut off the retreat of the rebel Catiline. During his consulship (60) Metellus turned against Pompey, who had divorced his sister. He persuaded the Senate to reject the proposed agrarian law that was to provide land grants for veterans discharged from Pompey's legions.