In 340 BC, the Romans waged war against the rebellious Latins. Consul Manlius, who was in charge of the army, expressly forbade his soldiers from attacking the enemy without his orders. Coincidentally, Titus Manlius, the consul's son, bumped into a group of Latin horsemen, who challenged him by insulting his father. The young Titus did not let this incident go unpunished and attacked...

He gathered the armour and rode back to the camp, where the crowd cheered with joy. Thereupon he went to the field lord's tent to his father.

"This booty," he said, "taken from the slain enemy, I bring to you, father, that all may say that I am truly born of your blood."

At this, his father turned pale and said he could go. Meanwhile, the consul went to his fellow consul to confer. Towards evening, he called his son back to him.

"You, Titus Manlius, have respected neither the consular authority nor the prestige of your father. Against our decision, you have fought off the line against the enemy and flouted military discipline.” , His father scolded.

“Therefore, you force me to forget either the republic or myself.”

The pity in the consul’s voice was evident. To make sure it didn’t sound too harsh, he putted his hand on the tense shoulders of his own, young son. His gaze searched that of heir’s.

“We will be a sad example, but a useful one for the youth later. The love for my children and your courage certainly impress me, but either by your death the consuls' orders will be ratified, or by leaving you unpunished they will be abolished forever.”

The consul stood back up, a stern look in his face before he sighed and muttered:

“Go, lictor, fasten him to the punishment pole."

Titus wanted to protest but no more sound came out of his mouth. His eyes grew big and he felt himself being dragged away to the punishment pole. Lictor, some kind of bodyguard, tied him up. He stared ahead and felt miserable.

This was the end. His death sentence.