ABSTRACT
When the Etruscan Lars Porsenna finally gave up his attempt to restore Tarquinius Superbus to the throne of Rome from which he had been expelled, he made a treaty with the Romans according to which they handed over hostages in exchange for the Janiculum Hill across the Tiber, which was to be returned by the Etruscans. One of the hostages was a girl called Cloelia who, while in the Etruscans’ camp, obtained permission to bathe in the Tiber. After sending her guards away while she undressed, she swam across the river to Rome, accompanied by other girl hostages. The Etruscans shot at the swimming figures, but Cloelia was able to restore the whole band safe and sound to their families. Although Porsenna complained of the breach of the treaty and demanded Cloelia’s return, he was so impressed by her bravery that he guaranteed her safety and soon restored her to Rome, together with a number of other hostages of her own choosing. So Cloelia’s act opened up friendly relations between Porsenna and the new Republic; and the Romans erected an equestrian statue of her on the Sacred Way.
