Catiline, formally known as Lucius Sergius Catilina, was a Roman politician and senator in the late Roman Republic. He is best known for his involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the Roman government in 63 BCE, which was exposed by the consul Cicero. Catiline's plan aimed to assassinate several senators and seize power, but it ultimately failed, leading to his flight from Rome. After fleeing, Catiline gathered an army of supporters but was defeated in battle by the Roman forces. His defeat marked a significant moment in Roman history, highlighting the political tensions and corruption of the time. The events surrounding Catiline's conspiracy are often studied in the context of the decline of the Roman Republic.