A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. NumeriusDecimics, of Bovianum in Samnium, is called the most illustrious person in all Samnium, both by his noble descent and his wealth. In B. C. 217 he joined the Roman army against Hannibal with 8000 foot and 500 horse, at the command of the dictator Q. Fabius Maximus. With these forces Decimius appeared in the rear of Hannibal, and thus decided a battle which was taking a very unfavourable turn for Minucius, the magister equitum. Two castella were taken on that day, and 6000 Carthaginians were slain, but the Romans too lost 5000 men. (Liv. 22.24.)