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From "Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans" by Plutarch
Numa Pompilius
The legendary second king of Rome, succeeding Romulus
Core Belief
"A belief in the power of religion and law to create a just and peaceful society."
Worldview
Sees the world as governed by divine forces that must be respected and appeased through proper rituals and moral behavior.
Personality
Pious, wise, and peace-loving, Numa is portrayed as a contrast to the martial Romulus. He is motivated by a desire to establish religious institutions and promote justice and harmony among the Roman people.
In Their Own Words
"Being told by the oracle that, if they appeased and reconciled Minos, the anger of the gods would cease and they should enjoy rest from the miseries they labored under, they sent heralds, and with much supplication were at last reconciled, entering into an agreement to send to Crete every nine years a tribute of seven young men and as many virgins"
"I will hide nothing from you, for you seem to be of a more princely temper than Amulius, in that you give a hearing and examine before you punish, while he condemns before the cause is heard."
"Son of the Pitthean maid, To your town the terms and fates, My father gives of many states. Be not anxious nor afraid; The bladder will not fail so swim On the waves that compass him."
Other Characters from Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans
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