There were two Romans so called—viz. Valeʹrius Maxʹimus Corviʹnus Messaʹla, and Valeʹrius Messaʹla Corviʹnus.
Marcus Valeʹrius was so called because, in a single combat with a gigantic Gaul during the Gallic war, a raven flew into the Gaul’s face and so harassed him that he could neither defend himself nor attack his adversary.