The Oath

This ancient tale comes to us from mid-7th Century BC Rome. Rome was at war with her neighbor Alba Longa and eventually the outcome was agreed to be decided in the “old” way. The Horatii, a set of male triplets from Rome and the Curiatii, male triplets of the same age from Alba Longa, would duel while both Armies watched. Jacques David’s key masterpiece The Oath of the Horatii captures the Horatii as they leave their home and family for the battle.

As the 6 men fought in full view of their nations we can only imagine how every blow was watched by a thousand eyes, victory or enslavement hinging upon its landing. As all three Curiatii were wounded Romans cheered and the Alba Longans mourned but then one of the Horatii fell dead! Then another fell and the last of the Horatii fled across the field back to Roman lines with the Curiatii in hot pursuit. The Romans cried in horror at the cowardice of the last of the brothers as his light doomed them all. Looking over his shoulder the last Horatii suddenly wheeled around, for wounded the Curiatii pursued at different speeds. Now separated the Horatii was able to cut down all three Curiatii one at a time; Rome was victorious!

A victory parade made its way to the home of the Horatii with the bodies of the two fallen Horatii and the last at the front. Upon seeing one of her brothers alive the sister of the Horatii broke down in tears because it meant that her lover, one of the Curiatii, was dead. In a fit of rage her brother killed her for greaving more for the enemy dead than her own fallen brothers. Initally condemned to die, the City could not bring its self to execute its savior of the previous day.