Publius Cornelius Cossus (consular tribune 408 BC)

Publius Cornelius Cossus was a Roman politician and military figure who served as one of the consular tribunes in 408 BC. The consular tribuneship (Latin: tribuni militum consulari potestate) was a magistracy with consular power that was instituted during the early Roman Republic, sometimes elected in place of the regular consuls when the Roman state deemed it necessary. This office was generally filled by patricians.

The year 408 BC was a period of heightened military activity and social tension within Rome. Roman forces were engaged in ongoing conflicts with various neighboring Italic tribes, including the Aequi and the Volsci. The election of consular tribunes likely reflected a need for more leaders capable of commanding troops.

While details concerning Publius Cornelius Cossus's specific actions and contributions during his tribuneship are scarce and often interwoven with the broader historical narrative of the time, his election demonstrates the significance of the Cornelius gens in Roman politics. The gens Cornelia was one of the most influential and prestigious patrician families in Rome, producing numerous consuls, generals, and statesmen throughout Roman history.

Our knowledge of Publius Cornelius Cossus and his term is largely based on the accounts of Roman historians such as Livy and Diodorus Siculus. However, their narratives, written centuries later, often blend historical fact with legendary embellishment, making it difficult to definitively separate truth from fiction. As a result, precise details of Cossus's activities during his tenure remain uncertain.

It's important to note that another individual named Publius Cornelius Cossus also held the office of consular tribune in 415 BC. While sharing the same name, these were distinct individuals serving in different years. Distinguishing between the two relies primarily on the context of their respective years of service.