A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. M.HoratiusBarbatus, M. F. M. N., was one of the most violent opponents of the second decemvirs, when they resolved to continue their power beyond their year of office. In the tumult which followed the death of Virginia, Valerius Poplicola and Horatius Barbatus put themselves at the head of the popular movement; and when the plebeians seceded to the Sacred Hill, Valerius and Horatius were sent to them by the senate, as the only acceptable deputies, to negotiate the terms of peace. The right of appeal and the tribunes were restored to the plebs, and a full indemnity granted to all engaged in the secession. The deccmvirate was also abolished, and the two friends of the plebs, Valerius and Horatius, were elected consuls, B. C. 449. The liberties of the plebs were still further confirmed in their consulship by the passing of the celebrated Valeriae Horatiae Leges. [POPLICOLA.] Horatius gained a great victory over the Sabines, which inspired them with such dread of Rome, that they did not take up arms again for the next hundred and fifty years. The senate out of spite refused Horatius a triumph, but he celebrated one without their consent, by command of the populous. (Liv. 3.39, &c., 49, 50, 53, 55, 61_63; Dionys. A. R. 11.5, 22, 38, 45, 48; Cic. de Rep. 2.31; Diod. 12.26; Zonar. 7.18.)