Quintus Fulvius Flaccus (consul 237 BC) facts for kids

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus (born around 277 BC, died around 202 BC) was an important Roman leader. He was the son of Marcus Fulvius Flaccus (consul 264 BC). Quintus Fulvius Flaccus served as a consul four times, a high political position in ancient Rome. He was also a censor, which meant he oversaw public morals and the census. He played a key role in several wars, especially against the Gauls and during the Second Punic War against Hannibal.

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus: A Roman Leader

Early Career and Military Wins

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus first became a consul in 237 BC. During this time, he fought against the Gauls in northern Italy. The Gauls were a group of people who often clashed with the Romans.

In 231 BC, he became a censor. This role involved keeping track of Roman citizens and their property. Censors also made sure people followed Roman traditions and laws.

He was elected consul again in 224 BC. In this term, he successfully brought the Boii people under Roman control. The Boii were another Gaulish tribe. Later, he served as a praetor in 215 BC. A praetor was a judge or a military commander. In 213 BC, he was named Master of Horse. This was a high military role, second only to a dictator.

Fighting in the Punic War

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus became consul for the third time in 212 BC. This was during the Second Punic War, a major conflict between Rome and Carthage, led by Hannibal. Flaccus won an important victory against Hanno, son of Bomilcar, a Carthaginian general. He captured Hanno's camp near a city called Beneventum.

However, Flaccus faced a defeat by Hannibal at the first Battle of Capua. Despite this, he managed to capture the city of Capua in 211 BC. At this time, he was serving as a proconsul, which meant he had the authority of a consul but outside of Rome.

In 209 BC, he was consul for the fourth time. He successfully took back the regions of Lucania and Bruttium for Rome. These areas had been under Carthaginian control. Towards the end of his life, in 205 BC, he did not agree with Scipio Africanus's plan to invade Africa. Quintus Fulvius Flaccus died not long after this.

A Strict Leader

Flaccus was known for being very strict, especially with the people of Capua. After he captured Capua, he punished those who had been disloyal to Rome. He had the senior leaders executed. Many other citizens were made slaves because they had sided with Hannibal.

The people of Capua complained to the Roman Senate about his actions. However, the Senate decided that Flaccus had acted within his rights as a Roman commander. This shows how serious the Romans were about loyalty during wartime.

His Family's Legacy

Quintus Fulvius Flaccus was the grandfather of Marcus Fulvius Flaccus (consul 125 BC). This grandson also became a consul in 125 BC. He was a strong supporter of the Gracchi brothers, who tried to bring about reforms in Rome.

Marcus Fulvius Flaccus tried to warn Tiberius Gracchus about plots against him. Later, in 121 BC, he supported Gaius Gracchus and tried to lead a resistance against the Senate. Because of this, he and his elder son faced severe punishment. His youngest son, who was too young to be involved, also died in prison. Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, who was a very traditional Roman, probably could not have imagined the difficult fates of his descendants.

See also

In Spanish: Quinto Fulvio Flaco para niños

• List of ancient Roman consuls