A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

4. M.ValeriusMessalla, M. F. M. N., son of the preceding, was consul in B. C. 161. His consulate was remarkable chiefly for a decree of the senate prohibiting the residence of Greek rhetoricians at Rome. (Gel. 2.24, 15.11; Suet. Clar. Rhet. i.) The "Phormion" and "Eunuch" of Terence were first acted in this year. (Titul. Phorm. et Eunuch. Terentii.) Messalla, having been once degraded by the censors, became himself censor in B. C. 154. (V. Max. 2.9.9.)