An anonymous life prefixed to the 1494 Venice edition of Valerius's work adds that Maximus was a name Valerius inherited from his mother's side--specifically the
gens Fabia--as well as from his father's side. The source, however, is suspect, and there is no corroborating evidence. On the other hand, although the context leads to the conclusion that he likely is speaking only metaphorically, Valerius in 5.5.
init. seems to identify with those of the name who claim aristocratic descent:
ex maiorum imaginibus gloriam traxi (I derived glory from the busts of my ancestors; only those people whose ancestors had held higher political office were allowed to display such busts). Arguing against patrician descent is Valerius's self-confessed poverty (although here again, whether 4.4.11 is truly autobiographical is open to question).
Genuinely autobiographical is the gratitude Valerius expresses toward his benefactor Sextus Pompeius, whom Valerius compares to Alexander the Great in 4.7.ext.2 and credits with an active interest in his literary work: studia nostra ductu et auspiciis suis lucidiora et alacriora reddidit (his authority and guidance illuminated and inspired my studies). This Sextus Pompeius (who was likewise a friend of the poet Ovid) is identified with the consul of A.D.
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