Contrary to former custom in the Sertorian headquarters, the feast soon became a revel; wild words passed at table, and it seemed as if some of the guests sought opportunity to begin an altercation.

Sertorius threw himself back on his couch, and seemed desirous not to hear the disturbance.

Then a wine-cup was dashed on the floor; Perpenna had given the concerted sign.
Marcus Antonius, Sertorius' neighbour at table, dealt the first blow against him, and when Sertorius turned round and attempted to rise, the assassin flung himself upon him and held him down till the other guests at table, all of them implicated in the conspiracy, threw themselves on the struggling pair, and stabbed he defenceless general while his arms were pinioned (682).
With him died his faithful attendants.

So ended one of the greatest men, if not the very greatest man, that Rome had hitherto produced-- a man who under more fortunate circumstances would perhaps have become the regenerator of his country--by the treason of the wretched band of emigrants whom he was condemned to lead against his native land.

History loves not the Coriolani; nor has she made any exception even in the case of this the most magnanimous, most gifted, most deserving to be regretted of them all.
Perpenna Succeeds Sertorius The murderers thought to succeed to the heritage of the murdered.
After the death of Sertorius, Perpenna, as the highest among the Roman officers of the Spanish army, laid claim to the chief command.