Publius Valerius

Also known as: Poplicola / Valerius · Family: Roman · Role: consul · First appears: Poplicola

Publius Valerius, also called Poplicola or Valerius, was a Roman consul descended from Valerius, who was reputed a principal reconciler of the Romans and Sabines. Lucius Brutus came to him during the change of government, and with his assistance the kings were deposed. His brother Marcus Valerius was made consul, while Postumius Tubertus served with him; Valerius later admitted Lucretius as his colleague, was succeeded by Marcus Horatius, and was chosen consul a second time with Titus Lucretius.

When Tarquinius Superbus sent an embassy, Valerius opposed giving it public audience. After Vindicius disclosed the matter in the presence of Marcus Valerius and Valerius’s wife, Valerius helped reward him with citizenship and voting privileges, making him “first of all freedmen” to receive them. He supported Horatius Cocles with provisions, land, and a statue, and his daughter Valeria was among the patrician hostages given to confirm the peace.

Though he was an enemy of Lars Porsenna, Valerius considered his friendship and alliance useful enough to refer the dispute with Tarquinius Superbus to his arbitration. He received Appius Clausus and his followers as friends, admitted them to the franchise, granted them land, and gave Clausus a place in the senate. Postumius Balbus, his son-in-law, was ordered to take the hills with three thousand men and observe the enemy’s movements.