Spurius Nautius Rutilus (consul 488 BC)

Spurius Nautius Rutilus was a Roman politician who served as consul in 488 BC, alongside Titus Siccius Sabinus. He belonged to the gens Nautia, a patrician family of Rome.

Little is definitively known about his consulship. Roman historical accounts of this period are often sparse and sometimes contradictory, relying on oral traditions passed down through generations. The year 488 BC fell during a period of significant social tension within Rome, marked by conflicts between the patrician and plebeian classes.

According to some historical accounts, the consulship of Spurius Nautius Rutilus was dominated by the aftermath of Gnaeus Marcius Coriolanus's exile. Coriolanus, a former Roman general, had allied himself with the Volsci, a neighboring people hostile to Rome, and was leading their forces against the city. The threat posed by Coriolanus and the Volsci would have been a primary concern during Nautius Rutilus's term in office. Historical records suggest that little military activity occurred during Nautius Rutilus’s and Titus Siccius Sabinus’ term as the Volsci’s campaign was cut short before it reached Rome. This was largely attributed to Coriolanus turning back after being implored by his mother and wife, who had ventured to the Volscian camp.

The scarcity of reliable information about Spurius Nautius Rutilus's consulship makes it difficult to assess its specific achievements or impact. He remains a relatively obscure figure in early Roman history, but his name provides insight into the individuals who held positions of power during this formative period.