Vergilia gens

The Vergilia gens (or Virgilia) was a Roman gens.

The name is probably of Etruscan origin but the meaning is unknown. According to some sources, the gens Vergilia derives its name from the constellation of the Pleiades, in Latin Vergiliae. In ancient times the Pleiades were a point of reference for sailors during their nocturnal journeys.

The gens Vergilia was spread throughout Italy, attested in Verona, Aquileia, Cremona, and Brescia.

Members

 * Marcus Virgilius: Tribune of the plebs in 87 BC, initiated legal proceedings against Sulla at the instigation of Cinna.
 * Gaius Virgilius Balbus: praetor in 62 BC, propraetor in Sicily in 61 BC
 * Publius Virgilius Maro: poet, born on 15 October 70 BC