Appius Claudius Caecus

Appius Claudius Caecus (c. 340 – 273 BC) "the blind" was a statesman of the Roman Republic, who flourished around (312BC - 279 BC). He became censor in 312 BC and held the post for five years up to 307 BC. He wrought important changes in the Roman constitution. He also set on foot the construction of the Appian Way and the Appian Aqueduct, named after him. Appius Claudius Caecus is the first Roman whose life can be traced with historical certainty, and was also the first man in the Roman history who is known for political sensations. He was a learned and influential figure who wrote on a variety of subjects, but most of his writings, including his speeches, have been lost. Nevertheless, he is considered the first Roman writer of both prose and verse, and is credited with creating the first Latin treatise on grammar.

Wisdom & Quotes

• Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

- quoted in Sallust , De Civitate

• I was grieved at the loss of my sight; now I regret that I did not lose my hearing also, for never did I expect to see or hear deliberations of this kind from you. Have you become so forgetful of yourselves all of a sudden, by reason of one misfortune, as to take the man who brought it upon you, and those who called him hither, for friends instead of enemies, and to give back to the Lucanians and Bruttians the property that your ancestors took from them? What is this but making the Romans servants of the Macedonians? And some of you dare to call this peace instead of servitude!

- Appius' famous speech in the Roman Senate against peace with Pyrrhus

Pyrrhus