Episode Details

In this episode, we tackle the years 415 and 414 BCE and the downfall of Postumius, a very wronghead man.  

Episode 142 – A Wrongheaded Man

Did you remember to RSVP for the war?

In 415 BCE, the Romans were gearing up for war with Veii and the Aequians… but neither of their dance partners turned up! It takes two to tango and in this case, neither the people of Veii or the Aequians felt ready to get down and boogie.

A Wrongheaded Man Indeed!

War against the city of Bolae kicked off in 414 BCE. One of the military tribunes with consular power, Postumius, was placed in command against this Aequian tribe. Whilst the Romans enjoyed success in battle, their internal problems overshadowed the victory.

How do you create chaos in Rome? Simply take a tribune of the plebs, add a dash of agrarian reform, then stir in an arrogant patrician.  Livy described Postumius as a wrongheaded man, and a questionable comment certainly had serious repercussions. Will sticks and stones, or words, do the most damage?

Quote courtesy of Teacher's Corner.

Join us for another tale of disaster with one of the Postumii at the centre.

Need to catch up on the previous conflict with the Labici? You can find our previous episode here.

Things to Look Out For:

• Dr G accidentally skipping over 415 BCE
• Various attempts at agrarian reform
• What is #trending amongst the elite
• A snide aside with very dramatic consequences
• Several important lessons from the Romans that could also be applied to parenting

Our Players 415 BCE

Military Tribunes with Consular Power

• P. Cornelius A. f. P. n. Cossus (Pat)
• C. Valerius L. f. Volusi n. Potitus Volusus (Pat) Cos. 410, Mil. Tr. c.p. 407, 404
• N. (or M.?) Fabius Q. f. M. n. Vibulanus (Pat) Cos. 421, Mil. Tr. c.p. 407 *
• Q. Quinctius L. f. L. n. Cincinnatus (Pat) Mil. Tr. c.p. 405

Tribune of the Plebs

• L. Decius

Our P