A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. M'. VALERIUS (VOLUSI F.)VOLUSUS MAXIMUS, was thefirst of the Valerian house who bore the surname of Maximus. He was a brother of P. Valerius Poplicola, and was dictator in B. C. 494, when the dissensions between the burghers and commonalty of Rome de Nexis were at the highest. Valerius was popular with the plebs, and induced them to enlist for the Sabine and Aequian wars, by promising that when the enemy was repulsed, the condition of the debtors (nexi) should be alleviated. He defeated and triumphed over the Sabines; but unable to fulfil his promise to the commons, resigned his dictatorship. The plebs, seeing that Valerius at least had kept faith with them, escorted him honourably home. As he was advanced in life at the time of his dictatorship, he probably died soon after. (Dionys. A. R. 6.39-45; Liv. 2.30, 31; Cic. Brut. 14.)