Valerius Corvus
(Marcus Valerius Corvus)
370–270 BC
 |
WARS WITH THE SAMNITES |
Valerius Corvus is best know for a single combat with a giant Gaul, in which he was aided in victory by
a crow, which flew in his opponent's face (hence the surname Corvus). He was a very long-serving Roman general,
who is reputed to have
lived for 100 years. During this time, he was six times consul, and dictator twice. His first consulship
was received the year after the battle with the Gaul, when he was only 22. During his career,
he battled Gauls, Volscians, Samnites, Etruscans, and Marsians.
Key events during the life of Corvus:
Year |
Event |
349 BC |
Defeats a giant Gaul in single combat, aided by a crow. |
348 BC |
Consul, at age of 22. |
346 BC |
Consul again, defeats Volsci. |
343 BC |
Consul again, defeats Samnites at Mount Gaurus. |
342 BC |
Dictator. |
335 BC |
Consul, defeats Cales. |
301 BC |
Dictator again. |
300 BC |
Consul, defeats Aequi, introduces law of appeal. |
299 BC |
Consul, defeats Etruscans. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
decius1 |
|
Manlius Torquatus |
Consul who slew his son for a minor disobedience. |
Fabius Rullianus |
Hero of the Battle of Sentinum, against the Gauls and Samnites. |
Appius Claudius |
Built first auqeduct, public buildings, and "Appian Way", the great Roman road to Capua. |