person
Publius Claudius Pulcher
P. Claudius
also: P. Claudius, Publius Claudius, Appii Caeci filius
Son of Appius Claudius Caecus and consul in 249 BC, who lost the fleet at Drepana after throwing the sacred chickens into the sea when they would not eat; Cicero's stock example of disregarded auspices (De Divinatione 1.29).
Reading notes
- On the Nature of the Gods §2.7 ordered them plunged into the water to drink
Publius Claudius Pulcher, consul 249 BC, who in contempt for the sacred chickens that refused to feed before the battle of Drepana flung them into the sea; he then lost the fleet. A standard exemplum of impiety punished.