A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

patrician, was one of the most ancient patrician gentes at Rome, and frequently held the highest offices of the state, from the banishment of the kings to the downfal of the republic. The most distinguished family in the gens was that of ALBUS or ALBINUS, but we also find at the commencement of the republic distinguished families of the names of MEGELLUS and TUBERTUS. The first of the Postumii, who obtained the consulship, was P. Postumius Tubertus, in B. C. 503, only six years after the expulsion of the kings. REGILLENSIS is properly an agnomen of the ALBINI, and accordingly persons with this surname are given under ALBINUS. In the Punic wars, and subsequently, we also find the surnames PYRGENSIS, TEMPSANUS, and TYMPANUS. A few Postumii are mentioned without any surname: these are given below.