Sextus Roscius (fl. 1st century BC), tried in Rome for patricide
in 80 BC, was defended successfully by the young Cicero in his
first major litigation. The defense involved some risk for
Cicero, since he accused Lucius Cornelius Chrysogonus, a
freedman of Sulla, then dictator of Rome, of corruption and
involvement in the crime. Caecilia the priestess |Wikisource has
original text related to this article:| Before the trial,
Roscius was sheltered by Caecilia, who appears to be Caecilia
Metella Balearica Major, a former Vestal Virgin by this time
(since she had her own house). This Caecilia was a relative of
Sulla's wife Caecilia Metella Dalmatica, and had powerful
connections among the Roman elite; her intercession for the
young Julius Caesar saved his life and political career. In 80
BC, the Metelli were staunchly in Sulla's camp. Her brother was
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Nepos, a former consul whose
stepdaughter Mucia Tertia was now wife of Pompey; her cousins
included Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus Pi