Two ideas that struck me from this week’s readings were the emphasis placed on devotion to state and the stressed paternalism and masculinity in Roman society. These themes were present in both Livy and Dionysius’ versions of the story of the Horatii, a set of Roman triplets, and the Curatii, a set of Alban triplets who waged war against one another’s countries as a result of cattle raids on both sides. Livy contrasts this to a civil conflict between parents and children because both societies descended from the Trojans. The Romans won, and the Horatii triplets slayed the Curatii. A treaty was signed before the war giving the winner sovereign over the loser. Horatius, the head of the Roman army, returned home as a war hero. However, a woman, who was the fiancé of the Curatii, burst into sobs at the sight of Horatius because she understood that her fiancé had been killed. Enraged, Horatius stabbed her in the chest for the insult to his pride and victory. His actions were highly debated, however, the court acquitted him because of his noble spirit and leadership in war and because of his young son. This story portrays the Roman’s priority of protecting their society and devotion to state over love. Little sympathy was given to the woman killed for showing her emotions.