Appius Claudius

Pope Alexander VI

Appius Claudius, a symbol of Roman patrician tyranny, is contrasted with Pope Alexander VI as a corrupt and ambitious ruler, both exemplifying destructive leadership.

Marcus Menenius

Appius Claudius, a patrician oppressor, is opposed by Marcus Menenius, a moderate who sought to calm plebeian unrest, highlighting class conflict.

Discourses on Livy

Appius Claudius is discussed as a figure whose ambition and tyranny illustrate the dangers of concentrated power in a republic.

Book I

Decemvir whose tyrannical behavior and the death of Virginia led to the fall of the Decemvirate and restoration of republican liberty.

XIII

Implied as part of the noble faction; the tribune Terentillus is mentioned, but Appius is not directly in this chapter.

XIV

Mentioned as Appius Pulcher, who in Sicily during the First Punic War rashly threw the sacred fowls into the sea after they refused to feed, leading to defeat and condemnation.

Why the creation of the Decemvirate in Rome, although brought about by the free and open suffrage of the citizens, was hurtful to the liberties of that republic.

The ambitious member of the Decemvirate whose ambition spurred the Ten to tyranny in their second year.

XL: Of the creation of the Decemvirate in Rome, and what therein is to be noted.

The chief decemvir who initially feigned favor with the commons to gain power, but later revealed his innate arrogance and attempted to establish tyranny, ultimately leading to his downfall.

XLI

Appius is the central figure in this chapter, criticized for his sudden shift from a humble and friendly demeanor to a haughty and cruel one, which exposed his duplicity and led to his downfall.

XLII

Gathered youths around him who became corrupted and supported his tyranny.

XLIII

Implied as a leader of the decemvirate, under whose command Roman soldiers fought without the same goodwill and were defeated.

XLIV

Implied as one of the decemvirs whose office was to be laid down before negotiations.

Chapter XLV

Cited by Virginius, dragged to prison, and committed suicide before trial; his violation of the law he helped create is condemned.

XIV

Mentioned indirectly through the context of the Latin war; the Latin Praetor Annius Setinus is referenced.

XI

Devised the method of controlling the tribunes by ensuring one among them could be influenced to oppose the rest.

XIX

Sent to command Roman armies; his harshness and severity led to ill obedience and near defeat, forcing him to resign.

How women are a cause of the ruin of states

Implied as the decemvir whose tyranny was broken by the death of Virginia.

Chapter XXXIII: That to insure victory in battle you must inspire your men with confidence in one another and in you

Quoted complaining to the people about the tribunes corrupting religious rites and auspices.

XLVI

Referenced as part of the haughty and ambitious Claudii family, with a specific censor who refused to resign.