1. Mucius Scaevola By: Franco Tong Period 2

3. History Background  Around 508BC, the Etruscan king, Lars Porsenna, besieged Rome, hoping to restore the Tarquinius Superbus to the throne.  Rome was isolated and was on the brink of falling.  Our hero Mucius seek the approval of the Senate and volunteered to assassinate Porsenna.

4. The Assassination  Mucius hid his dagger beneath his tunic and managed to sneak into the enemy’s camp.  Out of confusion, Mucius killed the king’s secretary instead King Porsenna.  Mucius was captured but he remained brave.

5. The Assasination  Mucius openly stated his full name and that he is just one of the three hundred Roman youth volunteers who will risk their life for glory.  He then puts his right-hand into a nearby sacrificial fire and until it was burnt.  Impressed by Mucius’ bravery and fearful of future assassination attempts, King Porsenna dismissed Mucius.

6. Outcome  King Porsenna made peace with the young Roman Republic and retreated.  Mucius was praised as a hero and was granted farmlands beyond the Tiber as a reward for his bravery.

7. Review Questions  1. What was the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna’s reason for besieging Rome?  2. Which one of his hand did Mucius thrust into the alter fire?  3. What was Mucius’ reward for his bravery?

8. Sources  http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/526 253/Gaius-Mucius-Scaevola http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/526 253/Gaius-Mucius-Scaevola  http://www.dl.ket.org/latin3/historia/people/muci us01.htm http://www.dl.ket.org/latin3/historia/people/muci us01.htm  http://www.livius.org/person/mucius-scaevola/ http://www.livius.org/person/mucius-scaevola/