Families and factions
the Decii
Roman family recalled by Justinian among the heroes who served the imperial eagle; mentioned alongside the Fabii to indicate the sacrifice of Publius Decius Mus and his descendants in battle.
Profile
In canto VI of the Paradiso, during the review that Justinian makes of the heroes in service of the eagle, the Decii are mentioned alongside the Fabii with the simple indication of their names. According to the note to verse 47, by the expression 'i Deci' are meant father, son, and grandson, all called Publius Decius Mus, who fell in battle respectively against the Latins, against the Samnites, and against Pyrrhus, and are recalled by Cicero in the De Finibus as victims consecrated to the salvation of the republic. The note also recalls that Dante, in the Monarchia, cites the Decii as 'most holy victims' following Livy. Dante's mention is thus limited to the name of the family alone, presented in such a way as to evoke by itself the entire glory of the sacrifice, without any further specification.
In the text
Linked verses
1 verses| Cantica | Canto | Verso | Testo | Open verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise | Canto VI | 47 | negletto fu nomato, i Deci e ’ Fabi | Open verse |