A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

31. L.CalpurniusPisoLicinianus, was the son of M. Licinius Crassus Frugi, who was consul with L. Piso in A. D. 27, and of Scribonia, a grand-daughter of Sex. Pompeius. His brothers were Cn. Pompeius Magnus, who was killed by Claudius, M. Licinius Crassus, slain by Nero, and Licinius Crassus Scribonianus, who was offered the empire by Antonius Primus, but refused to accept it. By which of the Pisones Licinianus was adopted, is uncertain. On the accession of the aged Galba to the throne on the death of Nero, he adopted as his son and successor Piso Licinianus ; but the latter only enjoyed the distinction four days, for Otho, who had hoped to receive this honour, induced the praetorians to rise against the emperor. Piso fled for refuge into the temple of Vesta, but was dragged out by the soldiers, and despatched at the threshold of the temple, A. D. 69. His head was cut off and carried to Otho, who feasted his eves with the sight, but afterwards surrendered it for a large sum of money to Verania, the wife of Piso, who buried it with his body.

Piso was thirty-one at the time of his death, and enjoyed a reputation for the strictest integrity, uprightness, and morality. (Tac. Hist. 1.14, 15, 34, 43, 48; D. C. 64.5, 6; Suet. Galb. 17; Plut. Galb. 23, 28; Plin. Ep. 2.20.)