How would everyone here like to help me with a little research project I'm doing? I have decided that an excellent way to trace trends throughout the Res Publica would be to trace the history of its prominent families. For instance, why did the Horatii feature so much in the early Res Publica, but spend the rest of their time (As a friend mockingly suggested) farming in Uzbekistan?
![Wink ;-)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
What is the earliest mention of the Marii? Where were the Vipsanii during the early Republic?
The militarily renowned Valerians seem to have been lost their reputation to the Cornelii Scipiones in the middle Republic, and new men at the end. Why? Why did the Metelli, previously fairly obscure, suddenly become so important at the end of the Republic? I think a chart tracking the fortunes of a certain family would make very interesting reading.
Is anyone interested in this idea?
Bene valete,
Marcus Scribonius Curio Britannicus.