Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus facts for kids

Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus, often called Rullus, was a famous Roman leader. He was born into the powerful Fabii family in ancient Rome. His father was Marcus Fabius Ambustus. Rullianus became a hero during the Samnite Wars, a series of conflicts between Rome and the Samnites.

He was elected consul five times, which was a very important job in the Roman Republic.

Early Military Career

Rullianus first appears in history as a "magister equitum" in 325 BC. A magister equitum was like a cavalry commander, second in command to a dictator. He won a brave victory against the Samnites at a place called Imbrinium.

However, he had acted without permission from the dictator, Lucius Papirius Cursor. The dictator was very angry and wanted the Roman Senate to punish Fabius for not following orders. The Senate and the people supported Fabius because of his victory. But they also wanted to respect the dictator's authority. In the end, Fabius asked for forgiveness, and the dictator granted it.

First Consulships and Dictatorship

Fabius became a consul for the first time in 322 BC. A consul was one of the two highest elected officials in the Roman Republic, like a president. Not much is known about his time in office then.

Later, in 315 BC, he became a dictator himself. A dictator in ancient Rome was a temporary leader given full power during emergencies. He successfully took the city of Saticula. He then fought at Lautulae, but this battle was not as successful.

As consul again in 310 BC, Fabius fought the Etruscans at Sutrium. He chased them into the Ciminian Forest and defeated them once more. In 308 BC, he was consul again and defeated the cities of Perusia and Nuceria Alfaterna.

Censor and Later Victories

In 304 BC, Fabius served as a censor. A censor was a Roman official who kept track of citizens and their property. They also oversaw public morals.

Fabius was consul for the fourth time in 297 BC. He defeated the Samnites at Tifernum. He used a clever tactic, sending part of his army around the hills to surprise the enemy.

In 295 BC, he was chosen unanimously for his fifth term as consul. This time, he gained lasting fame. He led the Roman army to victory against a large group of Etruscans, Samnites, and Gauls. This epic battle was called the Battle of Sentinum.

Family

Rullianus had a son named Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges. His grandson or great-grandson was the famous Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus. This later Fabius was known as "Cunctator" (the Delayer) during the Second Punic War.

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See also

• Livy (books 8-11 passim)
• Diodorus Siculus
• Valerius Maximus
• Frontinus