4 ms·

"Janus the fifth" and "KD6-3.7"

• mcpackieh 3y ago
  > "Janus the fifth" You're thinking along the lines of generational suffixes? There were Roman emperors who's family name (nomen gentilicium) was a number, the same number being used by son, father, grandfather... not incrementing with each generation. There were also Roman emperors who's fathers had been slaves. Lucius Septimius Severus - family name means 7th Publius Helvius Pertinax - family name means honey-yellow. Son of a freed slave.
• brazzy 3y ago
  That's not at all how it worked. "The fifth slave I bought" and "the fifth son of this super rich senator" would have exactly the same name, Quintus.
  • Pigalowda 3y ago
    Cicero’s less famous brother was named Quintus. Pompey Magnus had a son, Sextus (6th), that was relatively famous for his opposition to Octavius.
  • memling 3y ago
    Not sure precisely why you're being downvoted for bringing some additional light to the conversation. Been busy here but appreciate the insights; this isn't my field. Are there good sources that clarify the complexities of Roman naming conventions?