Canuleia (gens)


The gens Canuleia was a minor plebeian family at ancient Rome. Although members of this gens are known throughout the period of the Republic, and were of senatorial rank, none of them ever obtained the consulship. However, the Canuleii furnished the Republic with several tribunes of the plebs.

Origin

The nomen Canuleius belongs to a large class of gentilicia formed using the suffix , which was typically of Oscan names. It might perhaps be derived from the same root as Kanus, a surname originally referring to someone with white hair.

Praenomina

The main praenomina of the Canuleii were Lucius, Gaius, and Marcus, the three most common names throughout all periods of Roman history.

Branches and cognomina

None of the Canuleii mentioned by ancient writers bore a cognomen, except for Lucius Canuleius Dives, praetor in 171 BC. His surname originally signified someone possessing great wealth.

Members