Sources describe them as heading a gang of robbers that fought Quintus Fabius Maximus Servilianus while he was entering Lusitania in the search of Viriathus.
Oral tradition have them serving as lieutenants to the Lusitanian leader,[4] but it is more likely they were independent rebels from the lands south of the Tajo river,[2] inspired by but not affiliated to Viriathus.
[5] When he was approaching the Guadiana river, Curius and Apuleius ambushed him with a contingent of 10,000 men, taking him by surprise and stealing his loot.
[4][5] However, the Lusitanian victory was ephemeral, as they decided to divide their forces in order for Curius to retreat with the plunders and a large number of prisoners.
[6] Under this view, "Apuleius" might be a corruption of a Celtic name like the preexistent "Apulus" or "Apanus",[6] while "Curius" would come from "Coutius" or "Curundus".