Virginia

d. 451 BC
virginia
THE DEATH OF VIRGINIA

Virginia was the daughter of the plebeian Lucius Virginius, an army officer. She had the misfortune to be desired by Appius Claudius, the chief of the ten corrupt decemvirs, who held power in Rome in 451 B.C. Appius tried to acquire her by treachery and deceit, but her father, who had tried all other possible ways of releasing her from the tyrant's grasp, killed her, rather than allow her to fall into his hands. This violence caused great outrage against the Decemvirs, resulting in their overthrow.


Key events during the life of virginia:


Year
Event
450 BC
Appius Claudius abuses his power in pursuit of Virginia, resulting in her death, and overthrow of decemvirs.

Other Resources


Story Links
Book Links
Decemvirs and Virginia  in  Stories From Livy  by  Alfred J. Church
Death of Virginia  in  The Story of the Romans  by  H. A. Guerber
Hated Decemvirs  in  The Story of Rome  by  Mary Macgregor
Sacrifice of Virginia  in  Historical Tales: Roman  by  Charles Morris


Image Links


The death of Virginia
 in Stories From Livy

Verginius left his beautiful young daughter Verginia in the care of her nurse.
 in The Story of Rome

The Sacrafice of Virginia
 in Historical Tales: Roman


Contemporary
Short Biography
Appius Claudius Evil law giver who usurped power, then attempted to enslave Virginia.
Lucius Virginius Virginia’s father, who tried to rescue her.
Icilius Virginia’s fiancé, who tried to rescue her.