Download HS history 2.3

High School History Lesson 2.3
"Horatius at the Bridge"
Goals
Academic Concept: The student will understand the
events that led to the fall of the last evil king of
Rome and Horatius’ role in defending Rome.
Academic Concept: The Tiber River was a natural
defense for Rome. Roman citizens used this
natural defense to protect and defend their
freedom.
Gospel Principle: One person standing for the right
can be a powerful force for good. Defending truth
may require personal strength and change in our
lives.
Scriptures
• Mosiah 18: 9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those
that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need
of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all
times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be
in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God,
and be numbered with those of the first resurrection,
that ye may have eternal life—
• D&C 35: 24 Keep all the commandments and
covenants by which ye are bound; and I will cause the
heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall
tremble and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and
flourish;
Map of 12 Etruscan Cities
The Story of Horatius at the Bridge
In 509 BC Tarquin the Proud was the last Etruscan king in ancient Rome. He
was cruel and unjust to the Roman people and they revolted against him.
King Tarquin was exiled back to the Etruscans and asked them for help in
fighting against Rome in order to take all of their riches. The Etruscans agreed
and sent an army with Tarquin to fight against and eventually conquer Rome.
The army from the city of Clusium marched on Rome and attacked the city.
The Roman villagers and farmers were surprised to see the Etruscans
advancing toward Rome and fled to the city for protection.
One of Rome’s natural defenses was the Tiber River. It is here the story of
"Horatius at the Bridge" begins. The Romans knew if they could get their
people across the bridges over the Tiber, they would be safe from the
Etruscan armies of Tarquin.
Continued…
The Roman commanding general had forgotten about the bridges
while he was gathering and organizing his army in preparation to fight
the Etruscans. On their own, the people of Rome knocked down most
of the bridges over the Tiber River.
The Etruscan army saw one bridge still standing and rushed towards it.
Tarquin ordered his army towards the bridge which was poorly
guarded by only a few Roman soldiers. They soldiers were too few to
stop the army and feared that if they crossed, the city of Rome would
be conquered.
One of the soldiers who saw the army approaching was determined to
set up a line of defense to stop them. His name was Horatius Cocles
because he had lost an eye in a previous battle.
Perceiving the danger, Horatius and two other soldiers of noble rank
stood shoulder-to-shoulder to block the passage of the enemy who
were approaching from a nearby field. Fearing the oncoming army and
suffering from the fight, Horatius’ men retreated back on the bridge.
Map of the Bridge
Horatius at the Bridge
Continued…
Horatius refused to give up and instructed the other soldiers to destroy the
bridge behind him. Horatius was a very skilled soldier and fought against the
attack one soldier at a time on the narrow bridge.
The Roman soldiers began knocking down the bridge supports and Horatius
jumped into the water as he felt the bridge starting to fall in the river. The
Etruscans were stopped! Horatius was a hero.
Livy, a famous historian, recorded Horatius as saying the following: "Tiberinus,
holy father, I pray thee to receive into thy propitious stream these arms and
this thy warrior."
Horatius was wounded in defending the bridge but crowned with honor as he
was carried through the city by a singing crowd of grateful Romans.
A bronze statue was erected of him because of his heroic act and he was
given as much public land as he could plow in one day with a yoke of oxen.
Every citizen of Rome gave him one day’s ration of food.
Horatius at the Bridge Memorial
In Conclusion
The famous historian, Polybius saw Horatius as
an example of the men who have “devoted
themselves to inevitable death ... to save the
lives of other citizens. ... he threw himself into
the river with his armor, and there lost his life as
he had designed."
Though Horatius did not perish in the river, the
disability he suffered in battle ended his life of
military service. He received an honorable
discharge.
Reason through…
Can you think of some situations you experience
today require you to stand for the right?
What gives us confidence to be brave in the
battles we face?
How does knowing we can have the power of
God to assist us help each of us in the types of
situations we discussed at the beginning of our
lesson?
Relate and Discuss
Horatius fought with a sword and shield to
protect his people.
What resources are available to you to protect
yourself and others?
What kind of protection do you rely on in
difficult situations?
Discuss
The bridge was Horatius’ only physical support as he
fought against those who would destroy Rome. Yet, he
knew he had to encourage the other soldiers to destroy
the bridge so it could not be crossed by the Romans and
Horatius could safely swim to shore.
What bridges or “supports” in your life help you to stand
strong? What do you do to progress or be brought to
safety? How can you help others who stand alone on
their bridges?
What you can do to be an example for truth and right?
How can you encourage others?