A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

originally patrician, but subsequently plebeian also. It was one of the most ancient gentes, and the name occurs as early as the reign of Numa Pompilius [LUCRETIA, No. 1]. The surname of the patrician Lucretii was TRICIPTINUS, one of whom, Sp. Lucretius Triciptinus, was elected consul, with L. Junius Brutus, on the establishment of the republic, B. C. 509. The plebeian families are known by the surnames of GALLUS [*](* Accidentally omitted under Gallus, and therefore given below. [LUCRETIUS, No. 4.]), OFELLA, and VESPILLO. CARUS also occurs as the cognomen of the poet Lucretius. [See below.] On coins we have likewise the cognomen Trio, which is not found in any ancient writer. A few Lucretii are mentioned without any surname.