A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

was the accuser of the younger Helvidius, who was slain by Domitian. As a reward for this service he was nominated praefectus aerarii and was promised the consulship ; but after the death of the tyrant, he was accused by the younger Pliny in the senate, A. D. 96, of the part he had taken in the condemnation of Helvidius. The emperor Nerva did not allow the senate to proceed to the trial of Publicius; but Pliny obtained the object he had in view, for Publicius was deprived of his office of praefectus aerarii, and thus lost all hope of the consulship. The account of his impeachment, which was afterwards published, is related by Pliny in a letter to Quadratus (Ep. 9.13). Publicius died a few days after the proceedings in the senate, and it was supposed by some that his death was hastened by fear.