A 'vile Death'
In 180, Fulvius had been admitted to the College of Pontiffs, a lifetime appointment. Livy notes his priesthood in reporting the vile manner of his death (foeda morte).
In 172 BC, Fulvius had two sons serving in Illyricum; he received word that one had died and the other was suffering from a life-threatening illness. The next morning, the household slaves found him hanging by a noose in his bedroom. Although Romans regarded suicide as honorable in some circumstances, Fulvius's was seen as evidence of his mental instability: Livy says that "grief and fear overwhelmed his mind" (obruit animum luctus metusque); rumor had it that the wrath of Juno Lacinia had driven him mad.
The senate, according to Valerius Maximus, then had the marble tiles returned to the original temple to undo the deed of an impius ("consciously irreligious") man.
The Via Fulvia is attributed to him, but doubtfully. This Q. Fulvius Flaccus should not be identified with the man of the same name who was suffect consul in 180 BC.
| Preceded by A. Postumius Albinus Luscus and C. Calpurnius Piso with Q. Fulvius Flaccus (suff.) |
Consul of the Roman Republic with L. Manlius Acidinus Fulvianus 179 BC |
Succeeded by M. Iunius Brutus and A. Manlius Vulso |
Read more about this topic: Quintus Fulvius Flaccus (consul 179 BC)