person
Publius Horatius Cocles
Cocles
also: Coclitem, Horatius Cocles
The legendary hero who held the Sublician bridge single-handed against the Etruscans while it was cut down behind him; Cicero cites his valour as obedience to an unwritten law of courage.
Reading notes
- On Duties §1.61 Cocles
Publius Horatius Cocles, the legendary Roman who held the bridge over the Tiber single-handed against Lars Porsenna's Etruscans. A stock exemplum of self-sacrificing courage.