Quintus Fabius Maximus Allobrogicus facts for kids

Quintus Fabius Maximus Allobrogicus was an important Roman leader and general. He was chosen as a consul in 121 BC. During his time as consul, he fought against two powerful Gallic tribes, the Arverni and the Allobroges. He defeated them in 120 BC. Because of this big victory, he was given a special parade called a triumph. He also earned the special nickname, or agnomen, "Allobrogicus," to remember his victory over the Gauls.

Early Life and First Steps in Politics

Quintus Fabius Maximus Allobrogicus was the son of Quintus Fabius Maximus Aemilianus, who was also a Roman consul in 145 BC. His family, the gens Fabia, was a very old and important Roman family known as patricians.

Fabius Allobrogicus started his political journey around 134 BC. He ran for the job of quaestor, which was an important financial role in the Roman government. His uncle, Scipio Aemilianus, a famous general, helped him get elected. After winning, Fabius Allobrogicus went with his uncle to Hispania Citerior (part of modern-day Spain). There, they fought in a war called the Second Numantine War. During this time, Fabius Allobrogicus was put in charge of 4,000 volunteer soldiers.

Rising Through the Ranks

By 124 BC, Fabius Allobrogicus had become a praetor. A praetor was a high-ranking Roman official who often served as a judge or a military commander. In 123 BC, he became a propraetor, which meant he was a governor of one of the Roman provinces in Hispania.

Later, in 121 BC, he was elected consul, the highest political office in the Roman Republic. He shared this important role with Lucius Opimius.

Great Victories in Gaul

During his time as consul, Fabius Allobrogicus went to Gallia Transalpina (an area in modern-day France). He joined forces with another Roman leader, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus. Together, they fought against the Gallic tribes of the Allobroges and the Arverni.

After his year as consul ended, Fabius Allobrogicus took over from Domitius Ahenobarbus as the proconsul in Gaul in 120 BC. He then finished the job of defeating the Allobroges and Arverni tribes. This final victory was a huge achievement for Rome.

For his success, Fabius Allobrogicus was given a special honor: a triumph. This was a grand parade through Rome to celebrate a military victory. He was also given the special name Allobrogicus to remember his defeat of the Allobroges. His triumph was very famous. It even featured the captured Arvernian king, Bituitus, who was shown in his shining silver battle armor.

From the riches gained from his victories, Fabius built a special arch called the Fornix Fabianus in 121 BC. This arch crossed the Via Sacra in the Forum Romanum, a very important public space in Rome. He even placed a statue of himself on top of the arch.

Later Life and Family

In 113 BC, Fabius Allobrogicus might have been the Roman leader sent to Crete. His job there was to help solve arguments between different cities on the island. Later, in 108 BC, he may have served as a Censor. A Censor was a powerful Roman official who kept track of citizens and their property.

Fabius Allobrogicus was known for being a good speaker and a smart person. When his uncle, Scipio Aemilianus, passed away in 129 BC, Fabius hosted a large dinner for the people of Rome. He also gave a speech to honor his uncle.

He had at least one son, who was also named Quintus Fabius Maximus Allobrogicus. His grandson was Quintus Fabius Maximus.

See also

In Spanish: Quinto Fabio Máximo Alobrógico para niños