After much battle, the Romans had defeated the Etruscans. Despite the victory, not all were satisfied with the new form of government, as some longed for the monarchic system, especially a group of young people who wanted Tarquinius to return to the throne and to do so plotting a conspiracy.
Rumours of coup d'état came to the ears of Brutus, who immediately ordered the conspirators arrested. What was his surprise to see that two of his sons were part of those involved.
When the court showed evidence of guilt, Brutus earned the respect and trust of the people by executing his own children.
Tarquinius, the instigator, upon learning of the failure, sought to ally with Porsena. The mighty king of the Etruscans, who with his magnificent army ran to attack the city of Rome.
Fortunately, Rome was surrounded by walls and thanks to it he was able to withstand the siege for a long time.
When the Etruscans set up the camp, the Romans tried to go outside the wall to break the Etruscan fence, because if they did not, they would sooner or later have to surrender.
The Etruscans, who were very well equipped, rejected the attack and chased the Romans to the Tiber Bridge. This bridge was of vital importance to the Romans. Built of wood, it was the place through which soldiers, food and weapons could enter.
The Etruscans wanted to take over him and thus guarantee his victory.
Horacio Cocles was a very brave man. His mission was to guard the bridge of vital importance to the city of Rome. When Cocles saw that the Romans were persecuted by the Etruscan towards the bridge.
He took the first group to come and reproached them, “Are they not ashamed of having left their battle station?” Don't you realize that if the Etruscans take the bridge, we'll be lost forever?
And then he ordered them to destroy the bridge before it fell into enemy hands.
He distributed axes, saws, levers and all kinds of tools available to them and encouraged them to work at high speed as the enemy was nearby.
He went out to fight against the first ones who approached and seeing their courage Espurio Marcio and Tito Arsemio joined him in the fight.
The three of them fought as three heroes against the Trojans, just as their men shouted, “Run Cocles! The bridge is falling! - Horatio continued to fight until he fell into the river along with the woods of the destroyed bridge.
As he fell, he asked the god of the Tiber River to receive him on his bed, feeling that his final hour had come.
His heavy armor was a ballast that dragged him to the bottom and prevented him from floating, but he fought against the current with all the forces he had left and finally managed to reach the coast.
Horacio Cocles was hailed as a hero and his fellow citizens paid him all manner of honors. The Roman Senate distinguished him for his courage and courage like his other two brave companions.
After what happened, Porsena decided to surround the city until the Romans, being isolated, surrendered because of hunger.
When the situation in the city of Rome became desperate, another brave man made his appearance: Mucio Escevola. Mucio devised a new plan: infiltrate the Etruscan camp and kill Porsena.
Mucio then disguised himself, swam the River Tiber at night with a dagger on his waist and entered the Etruscan camp.
In this way he was able to go unnoticed and observe what was happening. Mucio did not know Porsena, and when he saw a man giving orders in loud voice and everyone obeyed him instantly, he thought it was Porsena. Without considering it twice, he approached and stabbed his dagger in his chest until he killed him.
Mucio was surrounded by Etruscan soldiers who reduced him and brought him to Porsena who angrily shouted him, “Who are you? “ Where did you come from that no one at camp knows you? Why did you kill my most faithful collaborator?
Mucio listened to all these questions with fear, but then with a firm and determined voice exclaimed: - My name is Mucio, I am Roman and my purpose was to kill you, unfortunately, I made a mistake and killed the wrong man, and he added - you can kill me if you want, because I have nothing to lose, because I would die of hunger anyway, If I could not achieve it there is others willing to do so and some of them will succeed.
Porsena, rode in anger and threatened to torture him if he did not tell him who those were willing to kill him.
But Mucio, increasingly emboldened, replied, “I am not afraid of torture.” The body is of no importance to the one who desires immortality — and, approaching his arm to a burning fire next to them, let the fire burn it without complaining.
Porsena was filled with admiration at the attitude of that brave young man and said, “You are free, Mucio.” I can't be bade on such a brave man
Mucio replied, “With benevolence you will gain much more than with threats. There are over three hundred men who have sworn to kill you. Someone will make it.
Mucio returned to Rome where he was received with honors. His right hand was mutilated by the burns received and since then he was nicknamed Escevola, which means left-handed.
Porsena, was very impressed with what happened and sent an embassy to Rome to sign peace