Gaius Fabius Ambustus (consul)

Gaius Fabius Ambustus was a Roman politician and military leader who served as consul three times in the 4th century BC. He belonged to the patrician gens Fabia, one of the most prominent and influential families in early Roman history.

His consular tenures are generally dated to 321 BC, 315 BC, and 312 BC. However, there is some disagreement amongst historians and discrepancies in ancient sources regarding the exact years and details of his magistracies. It is possible that one or more of these alleged consulships may have been dictatorships or consular tribunates held by Fabius.

During his time in office, Gaius Fabius Ambustus was active in the Second Samnite War. Roman accounts credit him with varying degrees of success against the Samnites, although specific details are often lacking. The period was marked by Roman reverses, notably the disaster at the Caudine Forks in 321 BC, which likely colored perceptions of the leadership at the time.

He is generally regarded as a figure of some importance within the Fabii family, contributing to their political influence during a critical period of Roman expansion and conflict. Details of his life outside of his recorded magistracies remain scarce.