Publius Nigidius Figŭlus

, a celebrated philosopher and astrologer at Rome, one of the most learned men of his age. He was intimate with Cicero, and gave his most unbia ed opinions concerning the conspirators who had leagued to destroy Rome with Cat i line. He was made pretor, and honoured with a seat in the senate. In the civil wars he followed the interest of Pompey, for which he was banished by the conqueror. He died in the place of his banishment, 47 years before Christ. Cicero , Letters to his Friends , bk. 4 , ltr. 13 .— Lucan , bk. 1 , li. 639 .