Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was a Roman general and statesman who formed the Second Triumvirate alongside Octavian and Mark Antony. A loyal supporter of Julius Caesar, he served as Caesar's Master of the Horse (Magister Equitum) and effectively ran Rome immediately after Caesar's assassination.
Although he controlled Africa and commanded significant forces, he was often sidelined by his more ambitious colleagues. He played a crucial role in the victory against the Liberators but was increasingly marginalized in the division of the empire.
In 36 BC, Lepidus made an ill-fated attempt to assert authority over Sicily against Octavian. His legions defected, and he was stripped of his triumviral powers and exiled to Circeii. Despite his fall from political power, he was allowed to retain the religious office of Pontifex Maximus until his death.