Gaius Mucius Scaevola

Description

Statue of Gaius Mucius Scaevola in Schönbrunn Palace Park. The sculpture from the end of the 18th century was made according to a design by Wilhelm Beyer. According to legend, Gaius Mucius Scaevola is a soldier from early Roman history. He is said to have saved the city of Rome when it was besieged by the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna in 508 BC. Mucius is said to have sneaked into the enemy camp to kill Porsenna. However, out of ignorance he killed a scribe and not Porsenna. When he was seized afterwards, he tells Porsenna that many Romans covet the honour of killing him and that some are already in the camp. Porsenna threatens Mucius with death by flames if Mucius does not reveal who they are. Mucius put his right hand into an open flame in front of Porsenna. The hand burned without him noticing the pain. Porsenna was so overwhelmed by this example of steadfastness that he released Mucius and broke off the siege of Rome.