A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

M. SERVI'LIUS, was consul A. D. 35, with C. Sestius Gallus. (D. C. 58.25; Tac. Ann. 6.31; Plin. Nat. 10.43. s. 60.) In the passages just referred to he is called simply M. Servilius; but the Fasti give him the surname of Nonianus, and Pliny, in another passage (H. N. 37.6. s. 21), speaks of the consul, Servilius Nonianus, who was, he tells us, the grandson of the Nonius, proscribed by M. Antonius. [NONIUS, No. 4.] His name shows that he was adopted by one of the Servilii. The consul of A. D. 35 was, therefore, the same as the M. Servilius Nonianus, who was one of the most celebrated orators and historians of his time. The emperor Claudius listened to the recitation of his works; and Quinctilian also heard him, and speaks with commendation of his works, although he says he was "minus pressus, quam historiae auctoritas postulat." Pliny calls him "princeps civitatis;"

and Tacitus, who mentions his death in A. D. 60, praises his character as well as his talents. (Quinctil. 10.1.102; Plin. Ep. 1. 13; Plin. Nat. 28.2. s. 5; Tac. Ann. 14.19, Dial. de Orat. 23.)