Gaius Postumus

Gaius Postumus was an equestrian banker, the nephew of Rabirius and son of C. Curtius the banker involved in tax farming and moneylending.

Postumus was adopted by his uncle C. Rabirius that further strengthened his ambitions both in the business and politics. The adoption at that time represented an important means of sustaining family networks, preserving family names or passing the inheritance.

Postumus who also inherited his father’s banking business was also active in the money investments throughout the empire serving as financier of many influential people. Debt collection always represented a risk in the banking business. Gaius Postumus who lent a large sum to the Egyptian ruler, Ptolomey XII the Piper, had a trouble collecting debts. However, as security for payment of debt, Postumus was appointed “dioiketes”, or the finance minister in Egypt in 55 BC but he was imprisoned for abuse of function. He returned to Rome in late 54 BC. With the help of Ceasar Postumus managed to recover his social and material position – in 47 he was appointed a senator and proconsul of Syria. After Caesar was murdered he worked to raise funds for Octavian Augustus.