Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarch's Lives, Vol. I. Perrin, Bernadotte, editor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1914.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This biography chronicles the life and achievements of Publicola (Valerius), a key statesman during the transition of Rome from a monarchy to an early republic. The narrative begins with the turmoil following the expulsion of King Tarquin, where Valerius proves his loyalty by uncovering a royalist conspiracy. Upon becoming consul, he humbles his power before the citizens and enacts various democratic laws, earning the cognomen "Publicola" (friend of the people). He then defends the fledgling republic against external threats, including the invasion of the Etruscan king Porsenna and subsequent wars with the Sabines, through military skill, diplomacy, and the valor of Roman citizens. The work concludes with his death, where he is deeply mourned by the citizens and buried at public expense. It vividly illustrates how his personal virtue and dedication laid the solid foundations for the newly born Roman Republic.