Serrānus, Atilius
Serranus was originally an agnomen of C. Atilius Regulus, consul B.C. 257 (see Regulus), but afterwards became the name of a distinct family of the Atilia gens. Most of the ancient writers derive the name from serere, and relate that Regulus received the surname of Serranus because he was engaged in sowing when the news was brought him of his elevation to the consulship (Verg. Aen. vi. 845). It appears, however, from coins that Saranus is the proper form of the name, and some modern writers think that it is derived from Saranum, a town of Umbria.
1.
Gaius, consul B.C. 106 with Q. Servilius Caepio, the year in which Cicero and Pompey were born. Although a stultissimus homo, according to Cicero, he was elected in preference to Q. Catulus. He was one of the senators who took up arms against Saturninus in 100.
2.
Sextius, surnamed Gaviānus, because he originally belonged to the Gavia gens. He was quaestor in 63 in the consulship of Cicero, who treated him with distinguished favour; but in his tribunate of the plebs (B.C. 57) he took an active part in opposing Cicero's recall from banishment. After Cicero's return to Rome he put his veto upon the decree of the Senate restoring to Cicero the site on which his house had stood, but found it advisable to withdraw his opposition (Pro Sest. 33-43; Post Red. 5; Ad Att. iv. 2).