A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

11. L.ValeriusPotiti F. MESSALLA VOLESUS, son probably of No. 9, was consul in A. D. 5, and afterwards proconsul of Asia, where his cruelties drew on him the anger of Augustus and a condemnatory decree from the senate. According to Seneca, Messalla in one day decapitated 300 persons, and walked among the headless trunks exclaiming "a royal spectacle, and more than royal, for what king ever did the like !" (Tac. Ann. 3.68; Sen. de Ira, 2.5; Fasti.)