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Lucius Marcius Philippus was a member of a Roman senatorial family. He was a descendant of Roman King Ancus Marcius. He was a praetor in 60 BC, and became propraetor of Syria in 59 BC. That same year he married Atia Balba Caesonia, niece of Julius Caesar. Philippus had a son and a daughter Marcia (later the wife of Cato the Younger) from a previous marriage which had ended with his wife's death. Atia’s previous husband, Gaius Octavius, had died on his return to Rome, leaving her with two children: Octavia Minor and Gaius Octavius (future Roman Emperor Augustus). Philippus cherished his step-children as if they were his own. He was consul of 56 BC with Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus.

Despite his marriage ties with Caesar, Philippus did not take his side in Caesar's civil war with Pompey, passing anti-Caesar legislation in the Senate. Because of this, Philippus was not given a province to govern for the year. Sensing the threat implicit in this snub, Philippus requested that Caesar allow him to sit out the war, to remain in Italy for the duration. Caesar obliged, thankful that he had not gained an enemy, even if he had not gained a supporter. Philippus became a close friend of Cicero, also waiting out the war.

The desire of Philippus to avoid conflict is evident at all times of his life. When his step-son Octavius was named Caesar's heir, Philippus attempted to dissuade him from accepting his inheritance because of the danger from Antony. He enlisted Atia to try her hand at convincing the young man to decline, but it was no use. Although he opposed Marcus Antonius, Philippus took part in the delegation sent to him at Mutina, and returned his demands to the senate. Cicero chided Philippus for this.

Atia died during August/September 43 BC, and according to Ovid, Philippus later married her sister. He lived to old age, and Augustus rewarded him for his continued loyalty with spoils from foreign victories. With his reward, he restored the temple ‘Hercules of the Muses’.

• Roman coinage depicting Philippus