Curtius

Curtius, METTUS or METTIUS, a noble Roman youth who heroically sacrificed his life for the welfare of his country, 362 B.C. A yawning chasm had opened in the forum, and the soothsayers declared it could only be filled by throwing into it the most precious treasure of Rome; whereupon Curtius appeared on horseback in full armour, and exclaiming: 'Rome has no greater riches than courage and arms,' leaped into the abyss, which at once closed over him.