Superstitious consul Lucius Aemilius Paulus

The Romans were very superstitious. For example, Consul Lucius Aemilius Paulus before embarking on the Macedonian War with king Perseus (in Latin Perseus or Perses) came to the house, where his daughter told him: “Perses is dead” – it was about their dog named Perses. The overjoyed consul took this as a favourable omen.

As it turned out in the near future, in 168 BCE, Paulus had a great victory at Pydna. The Macedonian king was to be captured and two years later to die in chains.

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Gallic Wars Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus Third Macedonian War Battle of Pydna Fourth Macedonian War