Lacus Curtius

This site is also referred to as the ‘Lake of Curtius’ due to the fact that there may have been a lake in this exact location in the Roman Forum but was later drained in the late 7th century BCE. During its prime, it may have been linked to very ancient rituals where people would sacrifice themselves in the lake, as there were skeletons found of a child, woman, and man. Additionally, this may have also been the site where Emperor Galba had been lynched by soldiers on January 15th of 69 CE. 

The history of its name, moreover, is a heated topic of debate, as there are multiple but varyingly different accounts in history that explain its origins. For example, Roman scholar Varro claims that in 445 BCE, lightning struck this area and the consul Gaius Curtius Philo ordered for the construction of a fence around it. However, Roman historian Livy claims that during the war between the Romans and Sabines—occurring after the Rape of the Sabine Women—Mettius Curtius, a Sabine, allegedly got in a marsh in this exact location and was later dedicated to him as the Lake of Curtius. Lastly, an unknown source claims that 362 BCE, a chasm opened on the Roman Forum that the Romans used to throw the strongest of Romans into it as a sacrifice. Thus, Marcus Curtius had jumped into the chasm as a self-sacrifice, and the area was dedicated to him as a result—this is perhaps a more plausible explanation because this scene is most likely depicted on the monument present on this site and because of the ancient rituals tied to it. 

Sources: 

1. “Lacus Curtius - Livius.” Www.livius.org, www.livius.org/articles/place/rome/rome-photos/rome-forum-romanum/lacus-curtius/.