Decius Mus
(Publius Decius Mus)
d. 340 BC
 |
DECIUS MUS RECEIVING THE EVIL AUGURY |
Decius Mus distinguished himself in the First
Samnite War, when he rescued the main
body of the Roman army from a trap. Three years later as consul with Manlius Torquatus, he
led the Romans against the Latins. The night before a decisive battle, both consuls
dreamed that the army that lost its leader would be victorious. They made a pact, that whichever
side gave way first, the leader would sacrifice himself in battle. The wing under Decius gave
way first, and Decius rode to his death in battle, with great ceremony.
Forty-five years later, in 295 B.C. his son, also called Decius Mus, followed his example, and rode
to his death in the Battle of Sentium, also against the Samnites. His grandson, also called Decius Mus,
sacrificed himself like-wise, in the Pyrrhic wars, in 279 B.C.
Key events during the life of Decius Mus:
Year |
Event |
343 BC |
Rescues Roman army from a trap, while fighting the Samnites. |
340 BC |
Elected consul with Manlius Torquatus. |
340 BC |
Sacrifices self for Rome, at the battle of Mt. Vesuvius. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Manlius Torquatus |
Consul who slew his son for a minor disobedience. |
Valerius Corvus |
Defeated a gigantic Gaul in one-on-one combat; lived to be 100. |