Home › C › Curtius (MARCUS a Roman hero)

Curtius (MARCUS a Roman hero)

MARCUS, a Roman hero, who devoted himself to the infernal gods for the safety of his country. According to the legend, a wide chasm having suddenly appeared in the Forum, the oracle declared that it never would close until Rome threw into it its most precious possessions. Thereupon Curtius, arming himself, mounted his horse, and saying that Rome contained nothing more precious to its greatness than a valiant citizen fully accoutered for battle, he solemnly threw himself into the abyss, which instantly closed over his head, B. C. 362.