The gens Pilia was an obscure
plebeian family at
ancient Rome. None of the Pilii attained any of the higher magistracies of the Roman state, and members of this
gens are known primarily through the writings of
Cicero, who was acquainted with a family of this name; but many others are known from inscriptions.[1][2]
Origin
Chase classifies the
nomenPilius among the non-
Latin gentilicia originating from various parts of
Italy, although he was unable to be more specific.[3]
This list includes abbreviated
praenomina. For an explanation of this practice, see
filiation.
Marcus Pilius, possibly the father-in-law of Atticus, sold an estate to Gaius Albanius, circa 45 BC.[4]
Pilia (M. f.), the wife of Cicero's close friend,
Titus Pomponius Atticus, whom she married in 56 BC.[5]
Quintus Pilius (M. f.) Celer, probably the brother-in-law of Atticus, served under
Caesar during the
Gallic Wars. In 51 BC, he accused Marcus Servilius of repetundae, maladministration or extortion in the governance of his province. Cicero asked Atticus to send him a copy of Celer's speech.[6]
Publius Pilius P. l. Anops, a freedman buried at
Luceria in
Apulia, together with Pilia Apicula and her son, Publius Pilius Felix, in a tomb dating to the early first century AD.[7]
Pilia Ɔ. l. Apicula, a freedwoman, was buried at Luceria, with her son, Publius Pilius Felix, and Publius Pilius Anops.[7]
Publius Pilius P. l. Felix, a freedman, was buried at Luceria with his mother, Pila Apicula, and Publius Pilius Anops.[7]
Pilia P. l. Selenis, buried at Luceria during the early first century AD.[8]
Marcus Pilius S. f. Priscus, named in a dedicatory inscription from
Trebula Mutusca in
Samnium, dating to AD 60.[9]
Pilia Psaechas, the widow of Lucius Mummius Restitutus, who was buried at
Albintimilium in Liguria during the second century AD. They were married for forty years.[10]
Wilhelm Drumann, Geschichte Roms in seinem Übergang von der republikanischen zur monarchischen Verfassung, oder: Pompeius, Caesar, Cicero und ihre Zeitgenossen, Königsberg (1834–1844).