A Family of Uncertain Origin: The gens Valgia

Abstract

This paper proposes to determine and identify the origin of the gens Valgia from Arpinum (Latium adiectum). It is possible that the Valgii, by taking advantage of the political success of Gaius Marius, like other Arpinum families, already succeeded in obtaining the senatorial rank towards the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 1st century BC. Later, thanks to Sulla’s and Caesar’s reforms, who sought allies among the powerful local gentes, the Valgii could consolidate their presence in Rome, until reaching the consulate in 12 BC.