# Manlius Torquatus — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Manlius Torquatus in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Torquatus

**First appearance:** 0008-v

## Who they are

Roman dictator known for executing his own son for disobeying orders.

## In the story

### [Of the religion of the Romans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xi)

Compelled tribune Marcus Pomponius to swear to drop charges against his father, Lucius Manlius.

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

One of the consuls in the battle; he slew his own son to maintain discipline and resolve.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiii)

Mentioned as the commander who first defeated the Latins.

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

Mentioned in the context of the death of his son as a notable enforcement of the laws.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xix)

Mentioned as an exception where severity succeeded due to consummate valour.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxii)

Exemplifies severe command, including putting his own son to death to maintain discipline; his methods are praised for serving the public good without fostering personal partisans.

### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvi)

Mentioned as an example of the stern and stubborn Manlii family.

### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvii)

Consul commanding against the Samnites, wounded in a skirmish, endangering his army.

## Links

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