Fabii

1000 Classical Characters (1900)

A noble and powerful family at Rome. They fought with the Veientes, and all of them were slain. One of the family, of tender age, remained in Rome, and from him descended the family which afterwards became so distinguished. Fabius, Maximus Rullianus. Was the first of the Fabii who obtained the name of Maximus. He was master of the horse, and his victory over the Samnites in that capacity nearly cost him his life. He was five times consul, twice dictator, and once censor. Fabius, Q. Maximus. A celebrated Roman who was raised to the highest offices of state. In his first consulship he obtained a victory over Liguria, and the battle of Thrasymenus caused his election to the dictatorship. While in this office he opposed Hannibal, harassing him more by counter-marches and ambuscades than by fighting in the open field. He died at the age of one hundred, after being consul five times. Others of the family were of minor distinction, though their names occur in Roman history. Fabricius, Caius. A distinguished Roman who in his first consulship obtained several victories over the Samnites and Lucanians. He had the most consummate knowledge of military matters, and was distinguished for the simplicity of his manners. 2026 Editor's Note: The Fabia gens was one of Rome's most ancient patrician families, eventually holding 45 consulships during the Republic. The family's mention of being "slain" refers to the Battle of the Cremera in 477 BC, where 306 members of the house were killed fighting the Etruscan city of Veii. (Ed: BR 2026-07-17)