Gaius Verres was born around 115 BC to an aristocratic family, probably of Etruscan origin. His cursus honorum (course of honour) began in 84 BC in Cisalpine Gaul, where he held the office of quaestor.
From his first assignment he was accused of appropriating public money, but this did not prevent him from pursuing his political career. He became a propraetor in Sicily from 73 to 71 BC.
Here, too, the Sicels accused him of extortion, which is why he was later reduced to voluntary exile. He died a victim of the triumvirate banishment.
