Episode 112 – The Disastrous Decemvirs

We pick up the action straight from the dramatic senate meeting from the previous episode in which was marked by conflict:

Lucius Valerius Potitus and Marcus Horatius Barbatus opposed the decemvirs and faced violent intimidation
and lead decemvir Appius Claudius faced off against his uncle Gaius Claudius.

The Conflict Continues

Once again, we see clear division between the members of the senate. Speaking in favour of the decemvirs is Lucius Cornelius Maluginensis, who just happens to be the brother of one of the decemvirs. He emphasises the need to deal with the external threat from the Sabines and the Aequians, rather than stirring up opposition to their leaders. Cornelius' views win some support, but Lucius Valerius Potitus is determined to speak as well. Valerius feels the need to highlight how dire the political situation is in Rome. Will these decemvirs ever give up their power? What is to be done?

Taking on the Enemy

As there is no right of appeal against the decemvirs, the levy is held to raise an army. The decemvirs divide the commands between them, with some sent against the Sabines, some are off to deal with the Aequians, and Appius Claudius and Spurius Oppius intend to hold the fort in Rome itself. If they were thinking that this was their time to shine, they are sadly mistaken as they face defeat across the board. Support for this regime, such as it was, is evaporating quickly and the decemvirs start taking ever more drastic measures to maintain their grip on power.

Things to Come

Patrician versus patrician conflict
People fleeing the city
Military defeats on every front
Murder and mayhem
The popularity of the decemvirs sinks lower still

Our Players

The Second Decemvirate

Appius Claudius. Ap. f. M. n. Crassus Inregillensis Sabinus Pat – Cos. 471, 451
Marcus Cornelius – f. Ser. n. Maluginenesis Pat
Marcus? Sergius Esquilinus Pat
Lucius Minucius P. f. M. n. Esquilinus Augurinus Pat – Cos. 458
Quintus Fabius M. f. M. n. Vibulanus Pat – Cos. 467, 465, 459
Quintus Poetelius Libo Visolus
Titus Antonius Merenda
Caeso Duillius Longus?
Spurius. Oppius Cornicen
Manius Rabuleius

The Senators

Lucius Cornelius Maluginensis (brother of decemvir Marcus Cornelius)
Lucius Valerius Potitus
Marcus Horatius Barbatus
Gaius Claudius (uncle of Appius Claudius)

Our Sources

Dr Rad reads Livy Ab Urbe Condita 3.39-40
Dr G reads Dionysius of Halicarnassus Roman History 11.16-24

Sound Credits

Additional music and sound in this episode includes:

an original composition for our podcast by the incredible Bettina Joy de Guzman
and additional sound effects from BBC Sound Effects Beta, Orange Free Sounds, Sound Bible and Fesilyan Studios

A picture of the Roman forum as it can be seen today including the Curia Julia (senate house). The Curia Julia was not where our decemvirs would have met as this curia was built in 44 BCE by Julius Caesar. Caesar's curia replaced the Curia Cornelia which was itself a replacement for the Curia Hostilia. This image is courtesy of Rachel Claire via Pexels.

For our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/

Support the show

Patreon

Ko-Fi

Read our books

Rex: The Seven Kings of Rome

Your Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.