Toxicity of Purity Culture: Publius Maenius and his daughter, Valerius Maximus 6.1.4

Name: Valerius Maximus Date:  1st century CE Region:  Unknown Citation:  Memorable Deeds and Sayings   6.1.4

What a stern guardian of [his daughter’s] chastity Publius Maenius was! When he found out that his favorite freedman had kissed his debutante daughter, Maenius put him to death even though it was done as a lapse in judgment and not done romantically. Maenius thought that the importance of chastity was best ingrained into his tender girl’s mind through the severity of the punishment, and with this awful event taught his daughter that she owed not only purity of her womb, but also unkissed lips to her future husband.

P. Maenius quam severum pudicitiae custodem egit! in libertum namque gratum admodum sibi animadvertit, quia eum nubilis iam aetatis filiae suae osculum dedisse cognoverat, cum praesertim non libidine sed errore lapsus videri posset. ceterum amaritudine poenae teneris adhuc puellae sensibus castitatis disciplinam ingenerari magni aestimavit, eique tam tristi exemplo praecepit ut non solum virginitatem illibatam sed etiam oscula ad virum sincere perferret. 

Valerius Maximus [1st century CE] Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.

 

Servitium Amoris in Literature vs. Reality

One of the popular themes in love poetry is servitium amoris, literally "being enslaved to love," i.e., a poet's willingness to offer complete submission and humiliation to their lover. Although this imagery remains popular in both Roman love poetry and even in music today (e.g., "I'm a slave 4 you," by Britney Spears and "You see these shackles, baby, I'm your slave / I'll let you whip me if I misbehave" in Justin Timberlake's SexyBack), it is important to not mix metaphor with reality. Although Roman historians used anecdotes of tenderness to add drama and pathos to their narrative, it is important to not romanticize the master/slave relationship. When reading the following examples of this theme in Roman history, please remember that these relationships lacked the ability for consent and should not be emulated or idealized today.  

Once he had fulfilled his wildest dreams in pleasures and gladiatorial fights, [the Roman Emperor] Commodus then turned to murder plots and began killing the noblemen of Rome.
One of his victims was Julianus the Prefect, whom he used to embrace and kiss in public, even calling him "Father."
Another was Julius Alexander, a man who was condemned for killing a lion while on horseback. Once he realized that assassins were at his door, Julianus killed them under the cover of night; he also killed all of his enemies at Emesa, his birthplace. Once this was done, he hopped on his horse, intending to head for the border; he would have been successful in his escape except he took his bed slave [puerum, quem habebat in deliciis] as his travel companion. While they were making their way as quickly as they could, the lad grew tired, and Julianus refused to leave him behind. Because of this, the couple was overtaken by their pursuers, and both were killed.

Κόμμοδος δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν εὐθυμιῶν καὶ παιδιῶν ἀνανεύων ἐφόνα καὶ τοὺς ἐπιφανεῖς ἄνδρας διεχειρίζετο: ὧν ἦν καὶ Ἰουλιανὸς ὁ ἔπαρχος, ὃν καὶ δημοσίᾳ περιελάμβανέ τε καὶ κατεφίλει καὶ πατέρα ὠνόμαζεν, Ἰούλιός τε Ἀλέξανδρος, οὗτος μὲν ὡς καὶ λέοντα ἀπὸ τοῦ ἵππου κατακοντίσας: [p. 100] [2] ὅστις ἐπειδὴ καὶ τοὺς σφαγέας παρόντας ᾔσθετο, ἐκείνους τε τῆς νυκτὸς ἐφόνευσε, καὶ τῶν Ἐμεσηνῶν, ὅθεν ἦν, τοὺς ἐχθροὺς τοὺς ἑαυτοῦ πάντας προσκατεχρήσατο, ποιήσας δὲ ταῦτα ἵππον τε ἀνέβη καὶ πρὸς τοὺς βαρβάρους ὥρμησε. κἂν [3] ἐξέφυγεν, εἰ μὴ παιδικά τινα συνεπῆκτο: αὐτὸς μὲν γὰρ κράτιστα ἵππευε, τὸ δὲ μειράκιον καμὸν οὐχ ὑπέμεινε καταλιπεῖν, ἀλλ᾽ ὡς κατελαμβάνετο, ἀπέκτεινε καὶ ἐκεῖνον καὶ ἑαυτόν..
Commodus autem, ubi expleverat animum voluptatibus ludisque, tum demum caedes meditabatur, occidebatque nobiles viros: in quorum numero fuit Julianus praefectus, quem publice amplecti atque osculari, patremque appellare consueverat: itemque Julius Alexander, is qui iaculis confecerat leonem ex equo: qui postquam interfectores adesse cognovit, eos de nocte trucidavit, et praeterea Emesenorum, ex quibus ipse erat ortus, quotquot inimici, sui fuerant, omnes interemit. Quo facto, equo contendit ad barabaros: effugissetque omnino, nisi puerum, quem habebat in deliciis, comitem cepisset. Quum enim incitato equo iter faceret, adolescentulum defessum labore itineris nolebat relinquere, ac deprehensus ab insecutoribus, et illi et sibi mortem attulit. 

--Cassius Dio, Epit. LXXIII.14; translated from the Greek by Johannis Albertus Fabricius, 1752

***

This is an equally famous instance: Because he feared he’d be tortured by his enemies, Gaius Gracchus asked his slave Philocrates to kill him. Philocrates obeyed, but then took the sword still dripping with his master’s blood and slew himself with it. Some people think this slave’s name was “Euporus;” I don’t really care about the slave’s name, I just admire the strength of his loyalty.

Aeque inlustre quod sequitur. C. Gracchus, ne in potestatem inimicorum perueniret, Philocrati servo suo cervices incidendas praebuit. quas cum celeri ictu abscidisset, gladium cruore domini manantem per sua egit praecordia. Euporum alii hunc vocitatum existimant: ego de nomine nihil disputo, famularis tantum modo fidei robur admiror.

--Valerius Maximus, Memorable Deeds and Sayings VI.8.3

***

Once he had fortified Munda, Caesar headed for Corduba. Those who had fled the carnage of the battle had taken possession of a bridge. When Caesar arrived, they began to reproach us, thinking only a few of us had survived battle: where could we go? So they made a stand at the bridge. Caesar crossed the river and set up camp.

When Scapula, the mastermind of the uprising, arrived at Corduba after the battle, he assembled his family and freedmen, created a pyre for himself, ordered the best possible last meal, put on his best outfit, and gave money and silver to everyone in the household. Once he was done eating, he anointed himself with perfumes and oils. Finally, he ordered his slave and a freedman who’d been his lover to slice his throat and light his pyre. 

[33] Caesar ex proelio [Munda] munitione circumdata Cordubam venit. Qui ex caede eo refugerunt, pontem occuparunt. Cum eo ventum esset, conviciare coeperunt, nos ex proelio paucos superesse; quo fugeremus? Ita pugnare coeperunt de ponte. Caesar flumen traiecit et castra posuit. Scapula totius seditionis [familiae ac libertinorum] caput ex proelio Cordubam cum venisset, familiam et libertos convocavit, pyram sibi extruxit, cenam adferri quam optimam imperavit, item optimis insternendum vestimentis; pecuniam et argentum in praesentia familiae donavit. Ipse de tempore cenare, resinam et nardum identidem sibi infundit. Ita novissimo tempore servum iussit et libertum qui fuisset eius concubinus, alterum se iugulare, alterum pyram incendere.

--Julius Caesar, de Bello Hispaniensi 33

***

 As [Galba] marched on the city of Rome, Nero was abandoned by everyone except his eunuch [Sporus], whom he had tried to shape into a woman; Nero stabbed himself, begging someone to kill him, but he didn’t deserve even that ounce of mercy.

Ac ni Galba, qui Hispaniae praesidebat, cognito mandatum sui exitium quamquam senecta aetate imperio correpto subvenisset, tantum facinus haud dubie patraretur. 16 Verum eius adventu desertus undique nisi ab spadone, quem quondam exsectum formare in mulierem tentaverat, semet ictu transegit, cum implorans percussorem diu ne ad mortem quidem meruisset cuiusquam officium.

--Sextus Aurelius Victor 5.15

 Julius Caesar (100 - 44BCE) is without a doubt one of the most influential Romans in history. His name became the title of monarchy (Kaiser in German; Czar in Russian), and celebrated in food (Caesar dressing, Kaiser rolls), but despite his major impact on world history, this larger-than-life figure has a complex role in history.

Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.

 Cassius Dio was a Roman statesman born in Nicaea, Bithynia who wrote an 80 volume work on Roman history that spanned from Aeneas’ flight from Troy to the rise of the emperor Severus Alexander. Although much of his history is lost, the fragments that we do have show rare insight into the Roman world.

Friends Til the End: Damon & Pythias, Val. Max. 4.7.ext.1

Damon and Pythias, The Ultimate Friends

Name: Valerius Maximus Date:  1st century CE Region:  Unknown Citation:  Memorable Deeds and Sayings 4.7.ext.1

Although my mind keeps dwelling on domestic examples, the splendor of Rome encourages me to mention some excellent examples from abroad, too. The Pythagorean followers Damon and Pythias were so tightly joined in friendship that when the Tyrant of Syracuse Dionysius wanted to kill Pythias, and when Pythias was given some time to go home to arrange his affairs before he was killed, Damon did not hesitate to surrender himself as a hostage to guarantee his friend’s return. Pythias, whose neck was under the proverbial sword, was suddenly free from the danger of death, while Damon, who was free to live, laid down his own life for him. Everyone, including Dionysius, was anxiously awaiting the outcome of the drama. Then, once the appointed day had come and gone and Pythias still hadn’t returned, the tyrant mocked Damon for his foolishness and rashness, but Damon declared that he wasn’t afraid for his own life, and trusted his friend’s loyalty. At the very moment that  Dionysius had appointed for the execution, Pythias arrived. The tyrant Dionysius marveled at the friends’ courage. He let them go, and asked them if they would welcome him as a friend, and be their third wheel, with mutual kindness and affection.

And so you see the power of friendship. It can bring about a contempt of death, lay low the sweet [selfishness] of life, mitigate cruelty, convert hatred into love, and outweigh inconvenience with benefits. It ought to be as honored as the sacred rites of the gods. Friendship encompasses the public good, on which private good relies on.  The homes of these men are like sacred temples; the hearts of faithful men, just like temples filled with sacred spirit.

Damon and Pythias, The Ultimate Friends

Haeret animus in domesticis, sed aliena quoque bene facta referre Romanae urbis candor hortatur. Damon et Phintias Pythagoricae prudentiae sacris initiati tam fidelem inter se amicitiam iunxerant, ut, cum alterum ex his Dionysius Syracusanus interficere vellet, atque is tempus ab eo, quo prius quam periret domum profectus res suas ordinaret, impetravisset, alter vadem se pro reditu eius tyranno dare non dubitaret. Solutus erat periculo mortis qui modo gladio cervices subiectas habuerat: eidem caput suum subiecerat cui securo vivere licebat. Igitur omnes et in primis Dionysius novae atque ancipitis rei exitum speculabantur. Adpropinquante deinde finita die nec illo redeunte unus quisque stultitiae tam temerarium sponsorem damnabat. At is nihil se de amici constantia metuere praedicabat. Eodem autem momento et hora a Dionysio constituta et eam qui acceperat supervenit.

Admiratus amborum animum tyrannus supplicium fidei remisit insuperque eos rogavit ut se in societatem amicitiae tertium sodalicii gradum mutua culturum benivolentia reciperent. Hascine vires amicitiae? Mortis contemptum ingenerare, vitae dulcedinem extinguere, crudelitatem mansuefacere, odium in amorem convertere, poenam beneficio pensare potuerunt. Quibus paene tantum venerationis quantum deorum immortalium caerimoniis debetur: illis enim publica salus, his privata continetur, atque ut illarum aedes sacra domicilia, harum fida hominum pectora quasi quaedam sancto spiritu referta templa sunt.

 Valerius Maximus [1st century CE] Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.

Challenging Gender Roles: Hortensia Goes to Court--and Wins! Val. Max. 8.3.3

Hortensia, A Women’s Rights Advocate

Name: Valerius Maximus Date:  1st century CE Region:  Unknown Citation:  Memorable Deeds and Sayings   8.3.3

When noblewomen were oppressed by the triumvirs’ taxation and none of their husbands deigned to advocate for them, Quintus Hortensius’ daughter Hortensia pled the women’s case in court—and won! By using the eloquence she inherited from her father, she managed to get a majority of the taxes remitted. At that time Quintus Hortensius came to life again in female form; he inspired his daughter’s words.

Hortensia, A Women’s Rights Advocate

Hortensia vero Q. Hortensi filia, cum ordo matronarum gravi tributo a triumviris esset oneratus nec quisquam virorum patrocinium eis accommodare auderet, causam feminarum apud triumviros et constanter et feliciter egit: repraesentata enim patris facundia impetravit ut maior pars imperatae pecuniae his remitteretur. Revixit tum muliebri stirpe Q. Hortensius verbisque filiae aspiravit.

Valerius Maximus [1st century CE] Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.

A Man's Soul In a Woman's Body: Amesia, Valerius Maximus 8.3.1

Maesia: A Woman Goes to Court

Name: Valerius Maximus Date:  1st century CE Region:  Unknown Citation:  Memorable Deeds and Sayings  8.3.1

During trial, Maesia of Sentinum pleaded her own defense to the praetor Lucius Titius in front of a large crowd. She performed the proper methods and procedures with both professionalism and passion. She was acquitted of all charges. Because she had a man’s soul in a woman’s body, she was called the “Androgyne.”

 

Maesia Sentinas rea causam suam L. Titio praetore iudicium cogente maximo populi concursu egit modosque omnes ac numeros defensionis non solum diligenter, sed etiam fortiter executa, et prima actione et paene cunctis sententiis liberata est. Quam, quia sub specie feminae virilem animum gerebat, “Androgynen” appellabant.

Valerius Maximus [1st century CE] Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.

Challenging Gender Roles: Hypsicrates / Hypsicratea, Val. Max. 4.6.ext.4

Hypsicrates / Hypsicratea, Queen and Warrior

Name: Valerius Maximus Date:  1st century CE Region:  Unknown Citation:  Memorable Deeds and Sayings 4.6.ext.2

Often, authors will use depictions of other nations as a mirror for their own society. Here Hypsicrates / Hypsicratea is praised for challenging gender roles and fighting alongside their husband. Note that they are not condemned for this “masculine” behavior because they are not Roman, and therefore this behavior does not challenge or threaten Roman customs.

Queen Hypsicratea loved their husband Mithridates with such abandon that they gave up the beauty of their feminine form and dressed as a man to please him. They cut off their hair and accustomed themself to the lifestyle of a cavalryman so that they could more easily share his lifestyle and his dangers. When their husband was defeated by Gnaeus Pompey, they followed him in his retreat through hostile nations, matching his unflagging strength and courage with their own. Their immense loyalty was quite a solace and pleasant comfort to Mithridates as he underwent such trying times. With his wife by his side, it was as if he traveled with his home and family gods alongside him, too.

 Hypsicrates / Hypsicratea, Queen and Warrior

Hypsicratea quoque regina Mitridatem coniugem suum effusis caritatis habenis amavit, propter quem praecipuum formae suae decorem in habitum virilem convertere voluptatis loco habuit: tonsis enim capillis equo se et armis adsuefecit, quo facilius laboribus et periculis eius interesset. Quin etiam victum a Cn. Pompeio per efferatas gentes fugientem animo pariter et corpore infatigabili secuta est. Cuius tanta fides asperarum atque difficilium rerum Mitridati maximum solacium et iucundissimum lenimentum fuit: cum domo enim et penatibus vagari se credidit uxore simul exulante.

Valerius Maximus [1st century CE] Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.

M/M: In Honor of Their Love & Service: Harmodius & Aristogeiton, Val. Max. 2.10.ext.1

Name: Valerius Maximus Date:  1st century CE Region:  Unknown Citation:  Memorable Deeds and Sayings   2.10.ext.1

When Xerxes captured Athens, he removed the bronze statues of Harmodius and Aristogeiton (who tried to liberate the city from a tyrant) and brought them back to his kingdom. After a long time had passed, Seleucus returned them to their original location. On the statues’ way back to Athens, the townspeople of Rhodes invited them to be public guests, and displayed them on their sacred couches*. There is nothing more blessed than this memory: that such reverence was held for such a meager amount of bronze.


*During festivals, cult statues would be removed from temples and put on display in special litter-like "couches" and paraded throughout the city.

Harmodii et Aristogitonis, qui Athenas tyrannide liberare conati sunt, effigies aeneas Xerxes ea urbe devicta in regnum suum transtulit. Longo deinde interiecto tempore Seleucus in pristinam sedem reportandas curavit. Rhodii quoque eas urbi suae appulsas, cum in hospitium publice invitassent, sacris etiam in pulvinaribus collocaverunt. Nihil hac memoria felicius, quae tantum venerationis in tam parvulo aere possidet.

Valerius Maximus [1st century CE] Little is known about the life of Valerius Maximus except that he wrote during the reign of the emperor Tiberius. His work, Memorable Deeds and Sayings, is a collection of examples from Roman and world history categorized by theme for the purpose of rhetorical exercises.