Curia (wife of Quintus Lucretius) - Epitaph

Epitaph

Her husband writes in an epitaph on a large tombstone called "Laudatio Turiae" of her qualities,

Why should I mention your domestic virtues, your loyalty, obedience, affability, reasonableness, industry in working wool, religion without superstition, sobriety of attire, modesty of appearance?

To this he adds that she was entirely devoted to the family structure and even avenged her parent's murder. He continues that her courage was incredible and that she confronted violence, legal trickery, brigandage, and political enmity with extraordinarily resolute and effective behavior. She was a univira : a one-man-woman.

She is one of the three women mentioned by Valerius Maximus as examples of outstanding moral women. The other two were Tertia Aemilia and Sulpicia.

When Quintus Lucretius was proscribed by the triumvirs, his wife Turia hid him in her bedroom above the rafters. A single maidservant knew the secret. At great risk to herself, she kept him safe from imminent death.

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