Metellus
8. L.
Caecilius Metellus Diadematus, Q. F. Q. N., brother of the preceding and son of No. 5, has been frequently confounded with Metellus Dalmaticus, consul B. C. 119 [No. 13], who was a son of Metellus Calvus [No. 6]. Metellus Diadematus received the latter surname from his wearing for a long time a bandage round his forehead, in consequence of an ulcer.
He was consul B. C. 117, with Q. Mucius Scaevola; and Eutropius (
4.23) erroneously ascribes to him the triumph of Dalmaticus. Clinton (
ad ann.) falls into the same mistake.
He lived to see the return of his first-cousin Metellus Numidicus from exile, and exerted himself to obtain his recall. (Cic.
post Red. in Sen. 15,
post Red. ad Quir. 3.)