Spurius Postumius Albinus (consul 110 BC)

Spurius Postumius Albinus was a Roman politician and general who served as consul in 110 BC. He belonged to the patrician gens Postumia, a prominent family in Roman history.

His consulship is primarily remembered for its military setbacks during the Jugurthine War. He was assigned the command against Jugurtha, the king of Numidia, but proved to be an ineffective leader. While initially energetic in his preparations, he became bogged down in the logistical complexities of the war and was accused of prolonging the conflict for his own gain.

He achieved some initial successes, but his campaign ultimately faltered. He left the army in charge of his brother, Aulus Postumius Albinus, who suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Jugurtha while attempting a winter offensive. This defeat, attributed to Aulus's incompetence and possibly corruption, further tarnished Spurius's reputation.

Upon returning to Rome, Spurius Postumius Albinus was investigated for alleged incompetence and possibly treason. He was accused of accepting bribes from Jugurtha to delay or avoid decisive battles. While the precise outcome of these legal proceedings is uncertain, the scandal severely damaged his political career and public standing. He is generally regarded as an example of the corruption and ineffectiveness that plagued the Roman aristocracy during the late Republic.