Mini-Episode 11: The Roman Spirit (Patreon)

Today I discuss four stories that ancient Romans told and re-told. While they were usually portrayed as history, it’s very likely at least parts of these tales were legendary. But legends presented as facts are not to be taken lightly. They reveal much about a culture’s values. In the Roman case, some of these values revolved around stoicism, sacrifice for one’s country, a level of determination bordering insanity, and a disturbing propensity for violence. I present you the stories of the Horatii, Mucius Scaevola, Marcus Curtius, and Marcus Atilius Regulus.