Biography

Marcus Curtius is known to be the mythical savior of Rome who leapt into a chasm in the center of the city, sacrificing himself but convincing the gods to close the gaping hole. The myth is the subject of various paintings, sculptures, and bas relief carvings across centuries. William Henry Seward refers to the story of the myth multiple times in his 1859 travel letters, but uses the name "Quintus Curtius" to refer to the mythical hero; the alternate name is reflected in some 19th century literature.