DENTATUS, THE LEGENDARY ROMAN SOLDIER.
Lucius Cicius Dentatus, a name that echoes through the centuries, is a figure shrouded in bravery, legends, and tragedies.
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Born around 475 BC, he emerged from the plebeian ranks of Rome to become one of the greatest warriors of the Roman Republic. His life was marked by epic battles, dark betrayals, and a legacy that endures to this day. Often compared to Hercules, Dentatus is remembered both for his extraordinary physical strength and his moral integrity.
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Dentatus was young when he faced the Sabines, a tribe that frequently threatened Rome. It was around 460 BC, and the Sabines had become a constant headache. Dentatus, with his immense strength and unwavering courage, led a fierce assault. The Sabines, confident in their numerical superiority, underestimated the young warrior. Dentatus, with a sword in one hand and a shield in the other, advanced like a storm. He cut through the enemy lines, leaving a trail of bodies and blood. The victory was overwhelming, and Dentatus was hailed as a hero.
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The Aequi were a mountain tribe that constantly caused trouble for Rome. In 440 BC, Dentatus was called to face this threat. The Aequi were known for their guerrilla tactics, attacking and retreating to the mountains. Dentatus, however, was not a man to be intimidated. He led his troops through treacherous terrain, facing ambushes and surprise attacks. In a decisive battle, Dentatus used the terrain to his advantage, surrounding the Aequi and forcing them to fight in open ground. The battle was brutal, but Dentatus emerged victorious, further solidifying his reputation.
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The battle against the Etruscans, around 445 BC, was one of the most notable of his career. The Etruscans were masters of siege tactics and combat in rugged terrain. Dentatus, with his cunning and experience, decided to use a combination of defensive manoeuvres and surprise attacks. He positioned his troops in a defensive formation, using the terrain to his advantage.
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When the Etruscans launched a frontal assault, they were met with fierce resistance from the Romans and attacks from archers in the hills. Dentatus led a counter-offensive, attacking the Etruscan left flank and causing confusion in their ranks. The victory was decisive, and Dentatus was acclaimed by his troops.
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One of the most fascinating stories about Dentatus is the legend of his fight against an elephant. It is said that, in one of the battles, he faced a war elephant and defeated it in single combat. Although this story is likely a legendary addition to his biography, it highlights the image of Dentatus as an invincible hero. However, it is important to note that war elephants were rare in Italy in the 5th century BC, suggesting that this story may have been a later creation to further glorify his figure.
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Dentatus was known not only for his bravery but also for his humility and integrity. Despite his numerous victories and honours, he lived a simple and austere life. He refused offers of land and wealth from the Roman Senate, preferring to continue as an ordinary citizen. This refusal to accept material rewards reflected his dedication to duty and his virtue, characteristics that made him a moral exemplar for the Romans.
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The death of Lucius Cicius Dentatus is a tragedy shrouded in mystery. He was betrayed by his own compatriots, who feared his growing power and influence. In 430 BC, under the pretext of a diplomatic meeting, he was lured into an ambush. The main traitors were Marcus Atilius Regulus and Publius Sempronius Sophus, both influential members who conspired to eliminate Dentatus and consolidate their own power.
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Marcus Atilius Regulus was an ambitious politician and military man who saw Dentatus as a threat to his own power. He was known for his cunning and ability to manipulate political alliances. Publius Sempronius Sophus, another prominent politician, shared Regulus’s ambition and saw Dentatus as an obstacle to his own plans for ascension. He was famous for his oratory skills and his ability to persuade others to follow his schemes.
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During the ambush, the assassins attacked Dentatus without mercy. He fought bravely but was overwhelmed by the number of enemies and died in combat. News of the betrayal spread quickly, and the Roman Senate, outraged by the loss of such a revered hero, ordered a thorough investigation.
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The traitors were captured and subjected to a public trial. Marcus Atilius Regulus and Publius Sempronius Sophus were condemned to execution. They were tied to stakes in the Roman Forum and stoned to death, a method of execution reserved for the worst traitors.
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Lucius Cicius Dentatus left a lasting legacy as a symbol of virtue and courage. His stories were passed down from generation to generation, inspiring future Roman soldiers and citizens. He is remembered as a hero who embodied the values of courage, honour, and service to the fatherland.
Edson Rodriguez, writer of PRIMA LANÇA, wrote this post
Sources Consulted:
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Livy – “Ab Urbe Condita”
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Pliny the Elder – “Naturalis Historia”
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Diodorus Siculus – “Bibliotheca Historica”
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Valerius Maximus – “Facta et Dicta Memorabilia”
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Modern Historians – Contemporary analyses and interpretations of the Roman Republic
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Encyclopaedias and Historical Compendiums – Summaries and compilations on Ancient Rome
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……The Western Roman Empire did not need to fall
I like this Romanian videographer and huge fan of the late Roman Empire. He makes it clear that Rome was doomed by internecine warfare.
As I have blogged many times, a famous jew historian boasted that the jews were another, but secret, reason why Rome fell.
IMO, jews financed and aided with military and political information the “barbarian” invasions, and they encouraged Roman generals to hate and suspect each other.
As Majorianus says, some of the very greatest of all the Roman generals in a thousand-year history lived, fought and won battles in the final 50 years, but were murdered by jealous emperors!
Rome rose via unselfish heroes, and it was destroyed by the egoic mind.
Christianity did NOT destroy Rome, THE JEWS DID — and they admit it
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