Licinia (gens) - Origin of The Gens

Origin of The Gens

The nomen Licinius is derived from the cognomen Licinus, found in a number of Roman gentes. Licinus may have been an ancient praenomen, but few examples of its use as such are known. The name appears to be derived from the Etruscan Lecne, which frequently occurs on Etruscan sepulchral monuments. The Licinii were probably of Etruscan origin, and may have come to Rome during the time of the later kings, two of whom, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus and his son or grandson, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, were themselves Etruscan.

It may be noted that Etruscan players were sent for to take part in the scenic games, first established in the consulship of Gaius Licinius Calvus. This could, however, be coincidental, as the historian Livius explains that the games were instituted in order to palliate the anger of the gods.