This was an interesting History thread to follow. Wow!
First i read this in Plutarch (1st cen Greek Philosopher) this morning. In Plutarch's Morals.
"Decius, the general of the Romans, anticipate it for himself, having piled up a funeral pyre between the two armies, and sacrificed himself to Cronos, dedicating himself for the supremacy of his country."
I asked myself, "Who is the Decius he is writing about, and is it true?" Keep in mind Plutarch is writing in the 1st cen AD, So it has to be an event in BC times.
Turns out it was Decius Mus became a Roman General in 340 BC. He indeed did sacrifice himself and a 1600's painter moved by his story painted a tapestry of him and his sacrifice.
"Publius Decius Mus was raised to consular rank in 340 BC along with Titus Manlius Torquatus. Before they were to lead the army into battle near Vesuvius in the Second Latin War, both consuls had the same dream: one of them would have to sacrifice himself to gain victory. The oracle confirmed the truth of their vision and Decius Mus immediately offered himself to the gods, along with the enemy army. Victory was won for the Romans through the consul’s death."
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