HIRTUS, AULUS, a noble Roman who attended on Cæsar in his wars against the Gauls, and, when he returned to Rome, became the devoted friend of Cicero. He accompanied him to Tusculum, where he studied the art of declamation under that accomplished orator (Cic. Fam. vii. 33); and when Cæsar returned from his successful expedition against his enemies in Africa, he was employed by Cicero to make his peace with the conqueror. Hirtus continued a firm friend to Cæsar, and on his death became an equally determined opponent of the ambitious views of Antony. He was elected consul B. C. 43, with Pansa, and, after his recovery from a severe illness, proceeded with his colleague to relieve Brutus, who was besieged in Mutina by Antony. They gained the battle, and put Antony to flight; but Hirtus fell in his attack on the camp (Phil.
His. vii. v.; Pan. x. 33; Liv. Ep. 119). He is supposed by some to have been the author of the eighth book of Cæsar's Commentaries, and also of the Alexandrine, African, and Spanish wars; though the truth of this statement was doubted even in the age of Suetonius.