Publius Valerius Publicola

Publius Valerius Poplicola (also Publicola ) ( † 503 BC ) was a consul in the early days of the Roman Republic. As with all people of this time, the tradition is to be regarded as highly questionable, so it must be true as a historical figure more than fabulous for.

Even on the battlefield took over the second consul after the death of Lucius Junius Brutus the lead. Poplicola forced the Etruscans to retreat. He returned as a victorious general to Rome and moved in triumph through the streets. Later victorious consuls should continue this tradition.

The political opponents of the consul feared that this would introduce the kingdom again because of its great popularity. But he had no such ambitions. He created, among others, the office of quaestor, who was to manage the finances of Rome. Poplicola was able to convince a majority of the Sabines, to settle in Rome. One of these chiefs, the Sabines Attus clausus, was the ancestor of the later emperor Tiberius and Claudius.

The popularity of the consul was so great that he was re-elected three times in the population. After, however, later created List of Roman consuls ( fasti consulares ) he was consul in the years 509, 508, 507 and 504 BC In 503 BC he fell in battle against a tribe of the Sabines. His descendants enjoyed during the next centuries high reputation in Rome. Thus, the Valerii were allowed to bury their dead as the only within the city walls.