horse, whereupon the earth closed over him and Rome was saved. The story, though clearly epic in nature, was likely a copy of another very similar Greek story concerning king Midas. Other possibilities A bit to the east of the Lacus Curtius, skeletal remains were discovered of a man, woman and child who had been bound together and drowned. The stories about Mettius and Marcus Curtius may have been warped recollections of a very ancient sacrificial drowning ritual done when the area was still large enough to form a pool. Alternatively, they could have been related to "profaners" mentioned in the inscription on the nearby Lapis Niger, making it a special location of punishment. The theme is related to high-medieval Celtic stories about lake-bursts. In art Marcus Curtius' self sacrifice has been a popular theme since the Renaissance, depicted by Paolo Veronese, Lucas Cranach the Elder and many others. Related links Curtia Gens References External links Article by Samuel Ball Platner, with photographs Lacus Curtius article on livius.org Roman mythology Topography of the ancient city of Rome Roman Forum Rome R. X Campitelli