The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)Pliny, the Elder
History
The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)
Pliny, the Elder
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works
(6.) Among these we have the statues of Romulus and Tatius without
the tunic; as also that of Camillus, near the Rostra. The equestrian
statue of Marcius Tremulus, clad in the toga, stood before the
Temple of the Castors;[1283] him who twice subdued the Samnites,
and by the capture of Anagnia delivered the people from their
tribute.[1284] Among the most ancient are those of Tullus Clœlius,
Lucius Roscius, Spurius Nautius, and C. Fulcinus, near the Rostra, all
of whom were assassinated by the Fidenates, when on their mission as
ambassadors.[1285] It was the custom with the republic to confer this
honour on those who had been unjustly put to death; such as P. Junius,
also, and Titus Coruncanius, who were slain by Teuta, queen of the
Illyrians.[1286] It would be wrong not to mention what is stated in the
Annals, that their statues, erected in the Forum, were three feet in
height; whence it would appear that such were the dimensions of these
marks of honour in those times.
Nor must I forget to mention Cneius Octavius, on account of the
language used by the Senate.[1287] When King Antiochus said, that
he would give him an answer at another time, Octavius drew a line
round him with a stick, which he happened to have in his hand, and
compelled him to give an answer before he allowed him to step beyond
the circle. Octavius being slain[1288] while on this embassy, the
senate ordered his statue to be placed in the most conspicuous[1289]
spot; and that spot was the Rostra. A statue appears also to have been
decreed to Taracia Caia, or Furetia, a Vestal Virgin, the same, too,
to be placed wherever she might think fit; an additional honour, no
less remarkable, it is thought, than the grant itself of a statue to a
female. I will state her merits in the words of the Annals: “Because
she had gratuitously presented to the public the field bordering on the
Tiber.”[1290]
CHAP. 12.—IN HONOUR OF WHAT FOREIGNERS PUBLIC STATUES WERE ERECTED AT
ROME.
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