A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

3. Q.Maelius, tribune of the plebs B. C. 320, maintained, with his colleague, Ti. Numicius or L. Livius, that the peace made with the Samnites at the Caudine Forks ought to be faithfully kept. They had been present at the battle, and they are mentioned among the other officers who were surrendered to the Samnites, when the Romans resolved not to adhere to the agreement. (Liv. 9.8; Cic. de Off 3.30.) As to the question how tribunes of the plebs could have been with the army on that occasion, see Niebuhr, Hist. of Rome, vol. iii. p. 220.