A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. Q.Arrius, praetor, B. C. 72, defeated Crixus, the leader of the runaway slaves, and killed 20,000 of his men, but was afterwards conquered by Spartacus. (Liv. Epit. 96.) In B. C. 71, Arrius was to have succeeded Verres as propraetor in Sicily (Cic. Ver. 2.15, 4.20; Pseudo_Ascon. in Cic. Div. p. 101, ed. Orelli), but died on his way to Sicily. (Schol. Gronov. in Cic. Die. p. 383, ed. Orelli.) Cicero (Cic. Brut. 69) says, that Arrius was of low birth, and without learning or talent, but rose to honour by his assiduity.