In Timon of Athens, Lucullus is the Athenian friend who refuses to lend Timon money when he is in need.
Timon has spent his fortune entertaining friends and rescuing acquaintances, including Ventidius. When his wealth runs out, creditors arrive and Timon sends servants to ask his wealthy companions for loans. Flaminius approaches Lucullus, who refuses, saying that it is not the time to lend money based only on friendship and without security.
Lucullus’s refusal exposes the self-interest behind Timon’s social circle. Timon had treated these men as loyal friends, but they valued his generosity more than Timon himself. Lucius and Sempronius also refuse to help, though each offers a different excuse. Their rejection transforms Timon from an extravagant host into a misanthrope who retreats into the wilderness.
Lucullus is sometimes confused with Flavius, Timon’s honest steward. Flavius is the one who understands Timon’s financial ruin and later remains genuinely concerned for him; Lucullus is one of the wealthy companions who abandons him.