Famous Men of Rome · Ch. XI, part 3 · Unit 2: The early Republic
15. Camillus, part 3: The geese, the gold and Curtius
Goal: Your child can tell how the geese saved the Capitol, what Brennus and Camillus said over the gold, and the story of Curtius.
You'll need
- The book, open to this chapter
- Paper and colored pencils
- A kitchen scale or balance, if you have one
What's in the book
The rest of Chapter XI: Pontius Cominius climbs the rock to the Capitol at night; the Gauls follow his footprints, but Juno's geese wake Marcus Manlius. Brennus agrees to leave for a thousand pounds of gold, throws his sword on the scale, and Camillus arrives to drive the Gauls out. Last, Curtius rides into the chasm in the Forum.
The lesson, step by step
Set the scene
Recall: the Gauls hold Rome, the brave men hold the Capitol on its high rock, and the people who fled are gathering at Veii.
Read the chapter
Read from where Brennus tries to storm the hill to the end of the chapter. It begins:
Brennus led his soldiers up the hill
The chapter ends with the story of Curtius.
Tell it back
Prompts:
- How did the Gauls find the way up the rock?
- Who woke Marcus Manlius?
- How did the Gauls cheat when the gold was weighed?
- What did Curtius say was the most valuable thing the Romans had?
Two famous sayings
Read what Brennus said when he threw his sword on the scale:
What should it mean but woe to the conquered?
And what Camillus answered:
We Romans defend our country, not with gold, but with steel.
Ask: What did Brennus mean? What did Camillus mean?
Talk it over
Ask: The Romans called Camillus the second Romulus. Why does that name fit?
SayMarcus Manlius was called Capitolinus after he saved the Capitol.
Extra (optional)
If you have a balance or scale, weigh something, then add a heavy spoon to one side and see what happens. That is the trick Brennus played.
Tip
The story of Curtius is one the book calls an old Roman story. A sentence like "This is a legend the Romans loved" is enough.
Answers to the book's problems
Brennus meant that the losers have no rights and must accept whatever the winner says. Camillus meant that Romans would fight for their city rather than buy their safety. Second Romulus: Romulus founded the city, and Camillus saved it and brought it back to life, like a second founder.
Worked out for this site from the scan. If a number in your copy differs, trust the book.