Marcus Valerius Corvus facts for kids

Marcus Valerius Corvus (born around 370 BC, died around 270 BC) was a very important Roman general and politician. He lived during the early and middle times of the Roman Republic. He was elected consul six times, starting when he was only 23 years old. He was also made dictator twice. Corvus led Roman armies in the First Samnite War. He held a high political office, called the curule chair, 21 times. It is said that he lived to be 100 years old!

Early Life and the Raven Story

Marcus Valerius Corvus came from a noble Roman family called the gens Valeria. He first became famous in 349 BC. At that time, he was a military tribune, which was a military officer. He served under a consul named Lucius Furius Camillus. They were fighting against the Gauls in northern Italy.

Before one big battle, a huge Gallic warrior challenged any Roman to a one-on-one fight. Valerius bravely stepped forward and accepted the challenge. As he and the Gallic warrior got closer, something amazing happened. A raven landed on Valerius's helmet! The raven then flew at the enemy's face, distracting him. This gave Valerius the chance to defeat the warrior.

After this, the two armies fought. The Romans won a great victory! For his courage, Valerius received ten oxen and a golden crown. He also got the special nickname Corvus, which means "raven" in Latin.

Rising to Power

Whether the raven story is completely true or not, Corvus became incredibly popular after this victory. He was elected consul in 348 BC, even though he wasn't in Rome at the time. This was very unusual because he was only 22 years old. During his time as consul, Rome made a peace treaty with Carthage.

The next year, Corvus likely became a praetor, another important Roman official. Then, in 346 BC, he was elected consul for the second time. He led campaigns against the Antiates and the Volsci. He captured and destroyed the town of Satricum, though he spared the temple of Mater Matuta. For these victories, the Senate gave Corvus his first triumph. A triumph was a huge parade to celebrate a great military victory.

Leading in the Samnite Wars

Corvus served as a curule aedile in 345 BC. This was a public official role. His excellent military skills led to him being elected consul for the third time in 343 BC. This year marked the start of the First Samnite War. Corvus won important battles at Mount Gaurus and Suessula.

After the victory at Suessula, Corvus had about 40,000 enemy shields and 170 enemy flags piled up on the battlefield. He then returned to Rome to celebrate his second triumph. Corvus even went back to the war zone in winter to protect Campania from the Samnites.

Handling a Roman Army Mutiny

The year 342 BC was a difficult time for Rome. Roman soldiers stationed near Capua and other towns rebelled. They marched towards Rome. To handle this crisis, Corvus was appointed dictator. A dictator was a leader given full power in emergencies.

Corvus met the rebellious soldiers about eight miles outside Rome. Instead of fighting, he chose to talk with them. He used his good relationship with the army to gain their trust. He managed to reach an agreement with them. Corvus helped pass laws that protected the mutinous soldiers from punishment. These laws also said a soldier's name could not be removed from the service list without his permission. Also, a military tribune could not be demoted to a centurion.

More Victories and Honors

Corvus was elected consul for the fourth time in 335 BC. This happened because of growing military problems in Italy. The Sidicini people had joined forces with the Ausones of Cales. The Senate wanted a proven military leader. Corvus was given command of the area around Cales.

He successfully attacked and captured the town of Cales. After its capture, the Romans set up a new settlement there with 2,500 people. For this victory, Corvus received his third triumph. He also gained the special nickname Calenus, named after the town he conquered.

In 332 BC, Corvus was appointed as an interrex. This was a temporary ruler when there were no consuls. He served in this role again in 320 BC. He might also have been a legate, or assistant, to the dictator Lucius Papirius Cursor in 325 BC during the Second Samnite War. In 313 BC, he helped establish a Roman colony at Saticula. Then, in 310 BC, he was again a legate under Lucius Papirius Cursor. He fought in a big battle at Longulae against the Samnites. In 308 BC, he was elected praetor for the fourth time because of his service at Longulae.

Later Career and Retirement

Corvus was appointed dictator for the second time in 302 BC. This was to deal with a revolt by the Marsi people. Corvus not only defeated the Marsi in battle but also captured their strong towns. The Marsi then asked for peace. For these victories, Corvus was awarded his fourth triumph.

He was made dictator again in 301 BC. This time, he led operations against the Etruscans. While Corvus was in Rome, his second-in-command was ambushed by the enemy. Corvus quickly came to the rescue. He fought and defeated the Etruscans, earning another triumph.

Important Laws and Final Consulship

In 300 BC, Corvus was elected consul for the fifth time. During this year, he defeated some rebellious Aequians. He also helped pass two important laws. The first law, called the Lex Ogulnia, allowed common people, known as Plebeians, to become priests. Before this, only noble families could be priests.

The second law, which Corvus himself helped create, expanded the provocatio. This was the right of people to appeal to the public. It made it illegal for high officials to use harsh force, like killing or whipping, within the city of Rome.

The next year, 299 BC, Corvus was elected consul for the sixth time. He took over command of the war with the Etruscans after another consul died. When Corvus arrived, the Etruscans refused to fight him in open battle. They stayed inside their fortified towns. Corvus even set entire villages on fire to try and draw them out, but the Etruscans still refused to fight.

After his sixth consulship, Corvus retired from public life. He passed away around 270 BC, at the impressive age of 100.

Character and Legacy

Marcus Valerius Corvus was a very talented military leader. He was also known for being kind and friendly. He was very popular with the soldiers he led. He would even compete with them in athletic games during their free time.

Corvus also strongly supported reforms. He sided with the common people during a time of conflict between social classes in Rome. He believed that as Rome grew, common people should have more opportunities. This, he thought, would be good for Rome.

Later Roman writers saw him as a great example of someone favored by Fortuna, the goddess of luck. A statue of Corvus stood in the Forum of Augustus alongside other Roman heroes.

See also

In Spanish: Marco Valerio Máximo Corvo para niños