Lucius Licinius Lucullus (c.118-56 BC) was a consul of ancient Rome, a supporter of Sulla and victor in the East.

He was a grandson of the consul Lucius Licinius Lucullus, and a nephew of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus. Initially serving in the Social War under Sulla, as quaestor in 88 BC he was the only officer to support Sulla's march on Rome.

He became aedile in 79 BC, along with his brother Marcus Terentius Varro Lucullus , and gave splendid games.

He became consul in 74, and took the field against Mithridates.

His attempts to reform the rapacious Roman administration in Asia made him increasingly unpopular; once his authority over his legions was undermined by the efforts of Publius Clodius Pulcher, he was replaced by Pompey. In his retirement, he was known for his elegance.

He was probably the only Roman of note in the late Republic who expressed interest in the idea of building a public library.

Lucullus was the man responsible for bringing the sweet cherry and the apricot to Rome.

See also Gardens of Lucullus

Reference

• Plutarch, Lucullus