# Decius — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Decius in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Publius Decius

**First appearance:** 0008-v

## Who they are

Roman consul who sacrificed himself in battle to secure victory.

## Relationships

### [Fabius Maximus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/fabius_maximus)

_friendship_

Decius Mus and Fabius Maximus were Roman consuls and allies, with Decius performing devotio (self-sacrifice) in battle under Fabius's command.

## In the story

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xvi)

The other consul in the battle; he died by his own hand to inspire the Roman army.

### [Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as one of the exemplary citizens (the two Decii) whose virtues inspired good behavior.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxix)

Publius Decius, military tribune, demonstrates knowledge of terrain by identifying and seizing a critical hill to save the Roman army, and later scouts the enemy camp disguised as a common soldier.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlv)

Roman consul who attacked the enemy with utmost fury and sacrificed himself to save the legions after his initial assault faltered.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/decius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters