Coriolanus, Gaius Marcius, << `kawr` ee uh LAY nuhs, GAY uhs MAHR shee uhs, >> was a general of the early Roman Republic. He was given his last name as a reward for his skill and bravery in capturing the town of Corioli from the Volscians, who were bitter enemies of Rome.
During a famine in 491 B.C., Coriolanus suggested that no grain be given to the poor unless they gave up their right to elect tribunes (representatives). The people resented his proposal and exiled him. Coriolanus joined the Volscians to get revenge, and led their army to Rome’s gates. He was about to capture Rome when his mother and wife persuaded him to spare it. The angry Volscians then killed him. William Shakespeare told this warrior’s story in the tragedy Coriolanus.
See also Shakespeare, William (Coriolanus).
