MARCUS CURTIUS

A deep pit opened in the middle of the Roman Forum (probably after an earthquake) and, despite all the efforts of the Romans, it would not close. An oracle told that the city will be in danger if the pit would not be filled with "the most precious possession of Rome". Marcus Curtius, the young Roman said that "there is no greater Roman good than arms and valour" and, mounted on the beautifully adorned horse and in full armour, he leaped in the abyss that closed afterwards.