Lidii

Lidii is a Latin gentilic name used to denote members of the gens Lidius, a Roman clan referenced in ancient sources and inscriptions. In Latin, Lidii is the plural form of the nomen Lidius, which identifies a family rather than individuals, and it would typically accompany a given name such as Publius or Gaius.

The gens Lidius is not one of Rome’s more prominent lineages. The available evidence for Lidii consists of a small number of mentions in literary and epigraphic sources from the early Republic and later periods. Because the references are sparse and sometimes only fragmentary, the historical record provides limited detail about the family’s origins, social status, or political influence. It is not clear whether members of the Lidii were exclusively plebeian, patrician, or held a mix of ranks over time. Consequently, no member of the Lidii is securely associated with the highest offices in a well-established chronology.

Etymology of the nomen Lidius is uncertain, as is common for many lesser-known Roman gentes. The name fits the pattern of gentilicia formed with the suffix -ius, but precise derivation from a place, nickname, or other source remains speculative. In modern scholarship, Lidii are primarily of interest to studies of Roman onomastics and the diversity of roman naming practices, rather than for extensive biographical or political histories.

See also: Lidius (gens); Roman naming conventions; Latin nomenclature.