Pontĭus, i, m., the name of a gens, originally Samnite, afterwards Roman. So,
- I. C. Pontius, a leader of the Samnites, who surrounded the Romans in the Caudine Pass, Cic. Off. 2, 21, 75; Liv. 9, 1; Flor. 1, 16, 10.
- II. L. Pontius Aquila, one of the assassins of Cœsar, Cic. Phil. 11, 6, 14; Asin. Poll. ap. Cic. Fam. 10, 33, 4; Suet. Caes. 78.
- III. Pontius Pilatus, governor of Judœa in the time of Christ, Tac. A. 15, 44; Tert. Apol. 21; Lact. 4, 18; Sed. Carm. 5, 116.