Cloelia
Though the Romans and Lars Porsena, the Etruscan king, eventually reached a peace accord in 508 BC, tensions lingered. Among the hostages exchanged was a young woman named Cloelia. Refusing to accept captivity, Cloelia hatched a daring plan. She rallied a group of fellow hostages and, under the cloak of night, made a desperate bid for freedom. Together, they plunged into the rushing waters of the Tiber River, braving the current to reach the safety of Roman soil.
Faced with Lars Porsena’s renewed threats of war if the hostages weren’t returned, Cloelia displayed remarkable courage. Instead of hiding behind the treaty, she made a daring choice. She volunteered to return to the Etruscan camp, demonstrating Roman honor.
King Porsena, far from enraged, was deeply impressed by Cloelia’s bravery and selflessness. He not only allowed her safe passage back to Rome, but in a gesture of respect, granted her a remarkable privilege: the choice of some of the hostages to accompany her.
Cloelia’s heroism was celebrated by the Romans in a way that transcended gender norms. They bestowed upon her an honor usually reserved for male heroes – a magnificent equestrian statue, a symbol of her daring escape, placed prominently at the head of the Via Sacra, the heart of the city.
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